A core shell structured C@MoxTi1-xO2-δ nanocrystal with a functionalized interface (C@MTNC-FJ) was fabricated via the hydrothermal method with subsequent annealing derived from tetrabutyl orthotitanate.The formation of anatase TiO2 was inhibited by the simultaneous presence of the hydrothermal etching/regrowth process,infiltration of Mo dopants and carbon coating,which endows the C@MTNC-FI with an ultrafine crystalline architecture that has a Mo-functionalized interface and carbon-coated shell.PtRu nanoparticles (NPs) were supported on C@MTNC-FI by employing a microwave-assisted polyol process (MAPP).The obtained PtRu/C@MTNC-FI catalyst has 2.68 times higher mass activity towards methanol electrooxidation than that of the un-functionalized catalyst (PtRu/C@TNC) and 1.65 times higher mass activity than that of PtRu/C catalyst with over 25% increase in durability.The improved catalytic performance is due to several aspects including ultrafine crystals of TiO2 with abundant grain boundaries,Mofunctionalized interface with enhanced electron interactions,and core shell architecture with excellent electrical transport properties.This work suggests the potential application of an interface-functionalized crystalline material as a sustainable and clean energy solution.