Fe 2 O 3 /CeO 2 and WO 3 /CeO 2 catalysts were synthesized with different metal loading (5–20%), using a simple combustion preparation method. The samples were tested in a batch reactor at atmospheric pressure, in a temperature range of 60–100°C, for 4h. Phenol conversion and CO 2 production levels were evaluated. Iron-containing samples were comparatively more active, reaching a 100% phenol conversion at 80–100°C. The systems were considerably stable in the acidic reaction medium: low iron leaching levels (1–5%) were registered. Selectivity towards complete mineralization was high (75–80%) and similar for both types of catalytic systems.