Gold supported on carbon nanotubes for the selective oxidation of glycerol

► Gold-sol immobilization leads to the most efficient Au/MWCNT catalyst for glycerol oxidation. ► Au/MWCNT catalysts favor the oxidation toward dihydroxyacetone (DIHA). ► High DIHA selectivities (about 60%) are related with the wide mesopores of MWCNTs. ► Acidification of the mixture obtained after reaction allows DIHA stabilization.