Two series of Pt-catalysts were prepared by impregnation or doping of carbon aerogels and different porous textures and Pt-dispersion were obtained. The performance of the samples in the elimination of organic compounds (VOCs) by adsorption and catalytic combustion was studied and compared with the characteristics of both the VOCs and the catalysts and the interactions between them. Toluene, xylenes and acetone were selected as representative aromatic or oxygenated VOCs. The adsorption of VOCs is favoured at room temperature in the case of meso/microporous materials, but at the higher catalytic reaction temperature, the micropores volume is more important. Adsorption and catalytic combustion occur simultaneously, and are both dependent on temperature, albeit in opposite directions. The combustion of aromatic compounds takes place at a lower temperature than that required for acetone combustion, so favouring the accumulation of adsorbed VOC, something that should be avoided to minimize risks. Catalytic performance improves with the contact time and is independent of oxygen content above 5% v/v, but declines significantly below this limit. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.