Abstract: The effects of the lanthanon ions （Y³⁺andTm³⁺） on the electrooxidation of methanol were studied with cyclic voltammetry, smooth platinum was used as research electrode. The results show that Y³⁺andTm³⁺ show the better catalysis, they could improve the anodic oxidation peak current of methanol to a great extent, which was increased separately by 120.10% and 158.33% at best. The catalyses of the lanthanon ions to the electrooxidation of methanol was analyzed that were relative to the electronic distri bution of the Y and Tm atomsand their adsorption on the Pt electrode surface.

Key words: methanol, electrooxidation, lanthanon, catalysis