The methanol electro-oxidation catalysts include nano-oxides of rare earth metals (i.e., cesium, praseodymium, neodymium and samarium) and platinum nano-particles. The nano-oxides of the rare earth metals are dispersed during synthesis of a support material, preferably formed from mesoporous carbon. The platinum nano-particles form between about 10 wt % and about 15 wt % of the methanol electro-oxidation catalyst, the rare earth metal forms between about 10 wt % and about 15 wt % of the methanol electro-oxidation catalyst, and carbon and oxygen forming the balance (between about 70 wt % and about 80 wt %) of the methanol electro-oxidation catalyst.