Mn-Zr and Mn-Ti supported oxide catalysts have been prepared by means of reactions in molten Na(K)NO3 fluxes at 500 degrees C. The solids were characterized using X ray diffraction, textural measurements, optical spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Highly dispersed ZrO2 and TiO2 covered with Mn(III, IV) species were obtained from the reaction in the melt. Due to the stabilizing effect of Mn, ZrO2-based solids with specific surface areas up to 220 m(2)/g were obtained. The influence of Mn loading and the nature of precursors on the solids properties were studied. The catalytic properties were studied in the model reactions of total oxidation of benzene and toluene. Molten salt derived solids demonstrated advantageous catalytic activity as compared to the reference catalysts. ZrO2-supported catalyst prepared using KMnO4 precursor showed the highest performance for the combustion of both aromatic hydrocarbons with T-50 values of 236 and 167 degrees C for benzene and toluene oxidation, respectively. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.