The impact of sp(2) sites of amorphous carbon and carbon nanotubes toward the hydrogen evolution/ oxidation reactions on Pt nanoparticles, in alkaline medium, is described. The kinetic enhancement is given through the induced UV-photons of selectively photo-deposited platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) onto sp(2) domains. The, henceforth, induced sp(2) strong metal support interaction favors the electronic, and the oxophilic effects boosting the kinetics of hydrogen reactions. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.