In this work, a cobalt and cerium composite oxide functionalized SBA-15 monolith (SM) with an inner threedimensional (3D) network structure (CoCe/SM) was prepared by isovolumetric impregnation. Its catalytic activities towards NO x -assisted soot combustion were evaluated and the loading and Co/Ce ratio were optimized. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersed spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N 2 adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, H 2 temperature-programmed reduction and O 2 temperature-programmed desorption were employed to characterize the samples. It was revealed that, compared with unsupported Co 3 O 4 -CeO 2 particles, the CoCe/SM catalysts with optimized Co 3 O 4 -CeO 2 loading showed much higher catalytic ability, achieving a complete oxidation of the soot to CO 2 below 400 C in the presence of NO x , which is attributed to the high dispersion of Co 3 O 4 -CeO 2 on SM and the cross-linked macroporous structure of SM that can house the soot particulates, thus providing closer contact between the soot and catalytically active sites.