Au@CeO2 nanoparticles supported Pt/C electrocatalyst to improve the removal of CO in methanol oxidation reaction

•Pt/C-Au@CeO2-Pt electrode consisting of three catalyst layers is prepared for the first time.•Pt/C-Au@CeO2-Pt shows improved electrocatalytic properties toward MOR activity.•Enhanced MOR mechanism of Pt/C-Au@CeO2-Pt electrocatalyst is also proposed.•Metal@Metal oxides core-shell structures are effective co-catalysts to support Pt/C in DMFCs.