The xCo(3)O(4)-MnO2 (x = 2.6, 8.8, and 13.3 wt%) catalysts were prepared using the polymethyl methacrylate microspheres-templating, incipient wetness impregnation, and acid treatment methods. Physicochemical properties of the samples were characterized by means of various techniques. Catalytic performance of the xCo(3)O(4)-MnO2 samples was evaluated for the combustion of o-xylene. It is shown that the as-prepared samples possessed a cubic crystal structure and a surface area of 51.9-63.9 m(2)/g. The 8.8Co(3)O(4)-MnO2 sample possessed the highest adsorbed oxygen species concentration and the best low-temperature reducibility, and hence performing the best: the T-10%, T-50%, and T-90% (temperatures required for achieving o-xylene conversion of 10, 50, and 90%, respectively) were 231, 251, and 273 degrees C at a space velocity of 100,000 mL/(g h). The apparent activation energies obtained over the xCo(3)O(4)-MnO2 catalysts for o-xylene combustion were 72-82 kJ/mol. The effects of space velocity, water vapor, and carbon dioxide on the catalytic activity of the 8.8Co(3)O(4)-MnO2 sample were also examined, and the partial deactivation due to water vapor and carbon dioxide introduction was reversible. It is concluded that the good catalytic performance of 8.8Co(3)O(4)-MnO2 was associated with its high adsorbed oxygen species concentration, good low-temperature reducibility, and strong interaction between Co3O4 and MnO2.