The catalytic oxidation of toluene, chosen as VOC probe molecule, was investigated over Co3O4, CeO2 and over Co3O4-CeO2 mixed oxides and compared with the catalytic behavior of a conventional Pt(1 wt%)/Al2O3 catalyst. Complete toluene oxidation to carbon dioxide and water was achieved over all the investigated systems at temperatures below 500 A degrees C. The most efficient catalyst, Co3O4(30 wt%)-CeO2(70 wt%), showed full toluene conversion at 275 A degrees C, comparing favorably with Pt/Al2O3 (100% toluene conversion at 225 A degrees C).