The mechanism of CO tolerance and oxidation on PtML/WC(0001) is clarified.
The high tolerance of PtML/WC(0001) to CO originate from the weak adsorption.
The minimum energy path and the rate-determining step are identified.
The activity of PtML/WC(0001) to CO oxidation is comparable to that of Pt(111).
Some probable strategies are proposed to improve the activity of PtML/WC(0001).