Mn-Ce loaded metal-organic framework (MnCe@MOF) catalyst was obtained by incipient wetness impregnation of MOF with manganese-cerium nitrate. The obtained materials were investigated as potential catalysts for elemental mercury (Hg-0) and NO removal from simulate flue gas and the results indicated that MnCe@MOF exhibited superior activity in comparison with the conventional catalysts Mn-Ce loaded ZrO2, especially at low temperatures (<250 degrees C). It was established that the crystalline structure of MOF support influenced the catalytic behavior in a complex way. The MOF support played an important role in promoting dispersion of active components, improving the Hg-0 adsorption and enhancing oxygen utilization, which resulted in a desirable catalytic activity. To understand the mechanism of the Mn-Ce catalyst better, dynamic valence state evolution during the Hg-0 oxidation for the active components was investigated. The ratio of Mn3+/Mn4+ remained constant during the reaction at various temperatures, indicating the stability of Mn in the catalytic process. However, the ratio of Ce3+/Ce4+ gradually decreased with extended periods of reaction time, which most likely lead to the decreased of chemical adsorbed oxygen on the catalyst. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier B.V.