Insight into the surface reaction mechanism of toluene oxidation over a composite CeOx/La1-xCexMnO3 catalyst using DRIFTS

•A new composite catalyst CeOX/La1-xCexMnO3 was tested for the oxidation of toluene.•Synergetic effect is promoted by Ce3+ and Mn4+ species in the composite catalyst.•The composite catalyst enhances rich Olat species improving the catalytic activity.•DRIFTS suggests that the oxidation to benzoate could be the most important step.•The rich Olat species of the composite catalyst are active even under low PO2.