Low platium loading Pt/C catalyst was prepared by direct Pt-embedded carbon xerogel method. The Pt content of the as-prepared Pt/C is about 4.32 wt% and has a typical polycrystalline phase. Textural and structural characteristics of the catalysts were characterized by XRD, EDS and BET. Pt-embedded in carbon xerogel increases the specific surface area and pore volume of the X-Pt/C during carbon gelation and the carbonization process. Electrochemical characteristics of the catalysts for ethanol electrooxidation were measured. The results indicated that the as-prepared 4.32 wt% Pt/C has higher mass current density in ethanol electrooxidation as compared to the 20 wt% Pt/C. This may be due to the high roughness of the Pt surface that is formed during the carbon gelation and carbonization process.