Comparison of CuxZnAlO mixed oxide catalysts derived from multicationic and hybrid LDH precursors for methane total oxidation

•Coprecipitated and intercalated Cu-containing LDHs as catalyst precursors.•CuxZnAlO derived from coprecipitated LDHs were the most active for CH4 combustion.•The activity depended on the method of preparation of the LDH and on the Cu content.•Cu10ZnAlO catalyst showed the highest intrinsic activity.•The highly dispersed CuO particles are the main active sites for methane combustion.