Promotional roles of Ru and Sn in mesoporous PtRu and PtRuSn catalysts toward ethanol electrooxidation

► Mesoporous PtRu and PtRuSn were prepared by liquid crystalline templating technique. ► The roles of Ru and Sn in PtRu and PtRuSn catalysts for ethanol oxidation were examined. ► Formation of PtRuSn alloy was evidenced by the measured and calculated lattice parameters. ► Mesoporous PtRuSn had a lower poisoning rate than mesoporous PtRu at 0.3 V. ► The combination roles between Ru and Sn led to the superior activity in PtRuSn.