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Abstract A glassy carbon (GC) substrate was irradiated with 380 keV argon ions (Ar+), and platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) were then deposited on it by a radio-frequency magnetron sputtering method. The interfacial effect of the Ar+-induced defects in the GC substrate on the size and electronic structure of the Pt NPs was investigated. The irradiation defects in the carbon support promoted the growth of the Pt NPs on the substrate, leading to a larger NP size. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the lattice vacancies in the graphitic structure lowered the position of the Pt d-band center via the interfacial charge transfer. This down-shift in the d-band center would be a reason for the higher catalytic activity, which was reported in our previous research. Highlights • The Pt nanoparticles were deposited on a 380 keV Ar+-irradiated carbon support. • The particle sizes on the irradiated and non-irradiated support were investigated. • A Pt electronic structure was modified by the irradiation defects of the carbon support. • We discussed how the Pt size and electronic structure affected the catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]