Platinum is one of the best catalysts for various applications, but the deactivation of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) during alcohol oxidation is a major barrier to commercialization. In this work, multiwall carbon nanotubes supported carbon film encapsulated Pt NPs (Pt@C-MWCNTs) was synthesized and used in the selective oxidation of ethanol and glycerol in acidic aqueous solution. It was found that Pt@C-MWCNTs exhibited both higher activity and stability than bare Pt NPs. Characterization indicated that carbon film encapsulation can overcome the sintering, leaching and over-oxidation of Pt NPs during the reaction. Moreover, carbon film may also prevent the strong adsorption of organic carboxylic acid on Pt. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.