Low-temperature catalytic oxidation of toluene over nanocrystal-like Mn–Co oxides prepared by two-step hydrothermal method

•Nanocrystal-like Mn–Co oxide with high porosity and surface area is first prepared.•An appropriate Mn/Co molar ratio (1:2) is essential for toluene catalytic oxidation.•Toluene can be completely eliminated at 250 °C.•Unique crystal structure and high concentration of reducible oxygen are necessary.

Nanocrystal-like Mn–Co samples with high porosity and large surface area were first prepared by a two-step hydrothermal process. The strong interaction between MnOx and CoOx and the formation of Mn–Co solid solution have been proved by various characterization techniques. The nanocrystal-like Mn–Co sample with appropriate Mn/Co molar ratio (1:2) showed an excellent catalytic activity for toluene oxidation with the complete conversion temperature of 250 °C. The unique structure with high porosity and large surface area and the high concentration of reducible oxygen species were mainly responsible for the significant enhancement of catalytic activity for toluene oxidation over Mn–Co oxide samples.