TiO 2 nanotubes are prepared via the reaction of anatase TiO 2 powder with NaOH solution. Gold and gold–copper supported on TiO 2 nanotubes (Au/TiO 2 NTs and Au–Cu/TiO 2 NTs) are synthesized by deposition–precipitation method. The prepared materials are characterized with BET, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Their catalytic performance for low-temperature CO oxidation is studied by using a microreactor–GC system. The influence of support, pH of HAuCl 4 solution, calcination temperature and atmosphere as well as gold content on the catalytic performance of Au/TiO 2 NTs are investigated. Compared with Au/TiO 2 NTs, the catalytic performance of Au–Cu/TiO 2 NTs is better.