In this study, a γ-ray irradiation approach without addition of any commonly used reducing chemicals has been explored to synthesize carbon-supported high Pt loading (i.e., 80 wt.%) cathode catalyst for direct methanol fuel cell. Compared with the Pt catalyst prepared by impregnation-NaBH 4 reduction approach, the supported Pt catalyst synthesized by γ-ray irradiation has better dispersion of Pt nanoparticles on the carbon support with smaller particle size and narrower size distribution and has demonstrated enhanced catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reaction and improved fuel cell performance.