The new Pt/alumina model catalysts for STM and in situ XPS studies based on thin alumina film formed over the conductive substrate are proposed. Procedure of platinum deposition developed for porous alumina was adapted for the model alumina support. The set of Pt/AlOx-film samples with the different mean platinum particle size was prepared. Capabilities of in situ XPS investigations of the proposed catalysts were demonstrated in study of NO decomposition on platinum nanoparticles. It is shown that proposed model catalysts behave similarly to Pt/gamma-Al2O3 and provide the new opportunities for the instrumental studies of platinum catalysts due to resolving several issues (charging, heating, screening) that are typical for the investigation of the porous oxide supported catalysts. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.