One-step electroless growth of nano-fibrous platinum catalyst from “paint-on” PtCl 6 2- solution in poly-(ethylene-glycol)

•A convenient one-step synthesis of nano-platinum is suggested based on PEG solution thermolysis.•Stable nano-fibrous platinum on ITO is formed and characterised in 0.5M H2SO4.•Effective methanol oxidation electrocatalysis is demonstrated with catalyst activity comparable to other nano-platinum materials.