​Structure–activity relationships for 1 wt.% Pt catalysts were investigated for a series of Ti_xCe_(1−x)O₂ (x = 1, 0.98, 0.9, 0.5, 0.2 and 0) supports prepared by the sol–gel method. The catalysts prepared by impregnation were characterized in detail by applying a wide range of techniques as N₂-isotherms, XRF, XRD, Raman, XPS, H₂-TPR, Drifts, UV–vis, etc. and tested in the preferential oxidation of CO in the presence of H₂. Also several reaction conditions were deeply analyzed. A strong correlation between catalyst performance and the electronic properties let us to propose, based in all the experimental results, a plausible reaction mechanism where several redox cycles are involved.