Ultrafine SrMn1-xCexO3 (x = 0, 0.2) perovskites were prepared by self-combustion method and heat treatment at 1000 degrees C for 4 h. The structure and surface properties were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), EDX spectroscopy, and BET analysis. The catalyst properties of the perovskite nanopowders were tested in the catalytic combustion of dilute acetone at atmospheric pressure. The results revealed that the partial substitution of Mn by Ce ions (x = 0.2) in perovskite structure of SrMnO3 had significantly improved catalytic activity of the perovskite. The SrMn0.8Ce0,2O3 perovskite composition can be a good candidate for catalytic combustion of low concentration acetone (1-2%o in air) at low temperatures. The acetone conversion over this catalyst exceeds 90% at 200 degrees C, whereas over SrMnO3 it is only 50%. Compared with SrMnO3, T-50 is decreased by 75 degrees C and T-90 is decreased by 70 degrees C. The enhancement of the catalytic activity at a Ce doping of 0.2 may be ascribed to smaller crystallite sizes, larger specific surface area and the presence of Ce and Mn cations with variable valence in the perovskite structure. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.