We design and synthesize a multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) supported platinum nanochains (Pt-NCs) catalyst (Pt-NCs/MWCNTs) through the electrostatic self-assembly between phosphonate functionalized Pt-NCs and polyallylamine (PAH) functionalized MWCNTs. The grown mechanism, morphology, structure, and composition of the Pt-NCs are investigated by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and zeta potential analysis. XPS and elemental maps measurements confirm the successful immobilization of PAH on the MWCNTs surface. The resultant Pt-NCs/MWCNTs catalyst exhibits better electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) than the commercial Pt/C catalyst due to the unique structure and low hydroxyl surface coverage. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.