The catalytic properties of iron oxide supported platinum catalysts (Pt/Fe2O3), prepared by a colloid deposition route, were investigated for the complete oxidation of formaldehyde. It is found that all the Pt/Fe2O3 catalysts calcined at different temperatures (200-500 degrees C) were active for the oxidation of formaldehyde. Among them, the catalysts calcined at lower temperatures (i.e., 200 and 300 degrees C) exhibited relatively high catalytic activity and stability, which could completely oxidize HCHO even at room temperature. Based on a variety of physical-chemical characterization results, it is proposed that the presence of suitable interaction between Pt particles and iron oxide supports, which is mainly in the form of Pt-O-Fe bonds, should play a positive role in determining the catalytic activity and stability of the supported Pt/Fe2O3 catalysts. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.