Pt/CeO2-ZrO2-Bi2O3 catalysts for catalytic combustion of acetaldehyde, which is one of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), were prepared by a wet impregnation method in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone K25 (PVP). The addition of PVP in the preparation process was effective to enhance the specific surface area and the Pt2+ ratio on the surface. Additionally, the pore volume and size of the catalysts were modified by the PVP addition. The Pt/CeO2-ZrO2-Bi2O3 catalysts are specific for the total acetaldehyde oxidation and CO and any acetaldehyde-derivative compounds were not observed as by-products. The catalytic activity of the Pt/CeO2-ZrO2-Bi2O3 catalysts was significantly promoted by the PVP addition and the total oxidation temperature decreased. By the optimization of the amount of platinum, the complete oxidation of acetaldehyde was realized at a temperature as low as 140 degrees C on a 10 wt%Pt/CeO2-ZrO2-Bi2O3 catalyst. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.