An ion-exchange method has been developed to synthesize Co2P on graphitized carbon and further deposit Pt nanoparticles for the first time. Various methods have been used to characterize the property of the Pt deposited on Co2P/C (Pt-Co2P/C). It shows an improved catalytic activity and stability for methanol electrooxidation. The electrochemical testing proves that the Pt-0Co(2)P/C catalyst has nearly four times the catalytic activity and 120 mV more negative onset potential compared with commercial Pt/C. The reason of the highly enhanced electrocatalytic activity and poisoning resistance of the Pt-Co2P/ C catalyst is discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.