A series of Mn(x)-CeLa mixed oxide catalysts with different compositions prepared by sol-gel method were tested for the catalytic combustion of chlorobenzene (CB), as a model of chlorinated aromatics. Mn(x)-CeLa catalysts with the ratios of Mn/(Mn + Ce + La) in the range from 0.69 to 0.8 were found to possess high catalytic activity in the catalytic combustion of CB. The stability and deactivation of Mn(x)-CeLa catalysts were studied by other assistant experiments. Mn(x)-CeLa catalysts can deactivate below 330 degrees C, due to the strong adsorption of Cl species produced during the decomposition of CB. Nevertheless, the increase in oxygen concentration can enhance the resistance to Cl poisoning through the reaction of surface oxygen species with residual chlorine. At 350 degrees C, high activity, good selectivity and desired stability were observed over Mn(x)-CeLa catalysts. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.