The catalytic oxidation of toluene, chosen as VOC probe molecule, was investigated over Co 3 O 4 , CeO 2 and over Co 3 O 4 -CeO 2 mixed oxides and compared with the catalytic behavior of a conventional Pt(1 wt%)/Al 2 O 3 catalyst. Complete toluene oxidation to carbon dioxide and water was achieved over all the investigated systems at temperatures below 500°C. The most efficient catalyst, Co 3 O 4 (30 wt%)-CeO 2 (70 wt%), showed full toluene conversion at 275°C, comparing favorably with Pt/Al 2 O 3 (100% toluene conversion at 225°C).