Au/CeO2-CoOx catalysts were synthesized using two methods for the mixed support preparation: co-precipitation (CP) or mechanochemical activation (MA). The catalysts were characterized by means of XRD, HRTEM, XPS, Raman spectroscopy and TPR measurements. It was established that the catalyst prepared by MA exhibited much higher activity in the reaction of complete benzene oxidation (CBO) than that prepared using CP. The reason of this different catalytic behavior was search in the differences in the structure and properties of the support depending on the preparation method. In the case of MA mode, the existence of Co-phase with enhanced redox properties influenced both of gold and modified ceria in close vicinity could be responsible for the observed high catalytic activity at relatively low temperatures in the reaction of CBO. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.