Cobalt-containing porous silicas were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation with different salt precursors. We compare cobalt-containing silica with interparticle mesoporosity (Co/KIL-2) to mesoporous silica (Co/SBA-15) in total toluene oxidation. Different cobalt species were detected in dependence on the kind of the salt precursor used. Lower production costs and high catalytic activity and stability of Co/KIL-2 make KIL-2 a promising support for volatile organic compounds elimination.