Platinum (Pt) nanoparticles are uniformly deposited on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with different oxidation levels using a pulse microwave-assisted polyol (MP) method. The CNTs are chemically oxidized using nitric acid for different periods of time (1-3 h). The MP route is capable of depositing uniform Pt nanoparticles with grain size of 2.67-2.95 nm over the surface of CNTs, forming Pt@CNT catalysts for formic acid electro-oxidation. The oxygen functionalities assist in the deposition of Pt crystals over the oxidized CNTs. The Pt@CNT catalyst with high oxidation level shows positive effects on the ratio of direct (dehydrogenation) to indirect (dehydration) oxidation, CO tolerance, and long-term stability. The improved anti-poisoning ability is attributed to the facts that the surface oxygen functionalities facilitate the direct pathway of HCOOH oxidation and strip the Pt-COads occupied sites. Copyright (C) 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.