The synergistic catalysis of Mn-Ce binary oxides for VOCs oxidation: A review on the structure–activity relationship and reaction mechanism

• Atomic-level synergy between Mn and Ce via electron transfer enhances oxygen vacancies and redox cycles for VOCs oxidation. • A full-chain perspective links catalyst design, structural properties and performance to guide rational development. • Critical review of stability challenges and anti-deactivation strategies under practical complex conditions. As an ideal substitute for precious metals, manganese-cerium (Mn-Ce) based catalysts demonstrate significant application potential in the catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This review systematically summarizes the latest research advances in Mn-Ce catalysts for VOCs treatment. The core of this paper lies in the in-depth analysis of the synergistic effect between Mn and Ce components. Specifically, the physicochemical properties of the catalyst are effectively regulated through interfacial electronic interactions (Mn 4+ +Ce 3+ ⇌ Mn 3+ +Ce 4+ ). This is manifested by a significant increase in oxygen vacancy concentration, markedly enhanced low-temperature reduction capability, and optimized dynamic equilibrium and mobility of surface reactive oxygen species (adsorbed oxygen and lattice oxygen). This review adopts a holistic perspective, following the main thread of preparation-structure-performance-mechanism. It elaborates on how precise synthetic strategies can be employed to modulate catalyst structures. Furthermore, advanced characterization techniques are utilized to establish the structure–activity relationship between these structures and catalytic performance. Meanwhile, this paper critically summarizes key challenges faced by catalysts in practical applications, including hydrothermal stability and resistance to sulfur/carbon poisoning. It reviews recent advances in enhancing catalyst stability through strategies such as multi-component doping, structural design, and process coupling. In conclusion, future research directions are outlined. The emphasis is on leveraging operating condition characterization, theoretical calculations, and novel material systems (such as single-atom catalysts and MOF-derived materials) to advance this field from empirical exploration to rational design. This review aims to provide profound theoretical insights and practical design guidelines for the development of high-performance Mn-Ce catalysts.