A series of La1-xSrxCo1-yFeyO3 (LSCF) perovskite catalysts was synthesized by a combined citrate-EDTA complexing method. The powders obtained were characterized by XRD, N-2 adsorption and O-2-TPD. After comparing the activities of the LSCF catalysts for the catalytic combustion of toluene, it was found that the substitution by little amounts of Sr and Fe improved the activity of LaCoO3. Such improvement can be explained by the increased amount of weakly adsorbed oxygen, evidenced by O-2-TPD profiles. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.