Catalytic combustion of hydrocarbons is a highly active field of research, particularly in relation to the reduction of pollutant emissions from automobiles. In this study, we report on hydrocarbon oxidation at the internal interfaces of a mixed catalyst consisting of Sn0.9In0.1P2O7 and Pt powders. In a gaseous mixture of propane. H2O, and O-2, the H2O dissociates into protons, electrons and active oxygen species at anodic interface sites, leading to oxidation of the hydrocarbon to CO2. On the other hand, O-2 reacts with protons and electrons to form H2O at cathodic interface sites. As a consequence, local electrochemical cells are formed at the interfaces, and undergo self-discharge. It was shown that the mixed catalyst had a high turnover frequency for Pt, yielding high catalytic activity for Pt contents of as low as 0.1 wt% and an initiation temperature for hydrocarbon oxidation of 150 degrees C. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.