It was found that CO oxidative stripping could enhance the performance of a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell. The procedure was performed by first allowing CO to adsorb onto the catalyst surface, and then potential scanning was carried out to oxidize the adsorbed CO. The evolution of CO2 from CO oxidation increased the electrode active surface area, and this was one of the reasons leading to an enhanced fuel cell performance. The fuel cell achieved its maximum performance after several CO adsorption/CO2 desorption cycles. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.