Preparation of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous MFe2O4 (M = Co, Ni, Cu) spinel catalyst and its simultaneous catalytic application in CO oxidation and NO + CO reaction

•A series of three-dimensional ordered macroporous MFe2O4 (M = Co, Ni, Cu) spinel catalysts were synthesized.•CuFe2O4 catalyst exhibited the best catalytic activity in both CO oxidation and NO + CO reaction.•Two possible catalytic mechanisms corresponding to the two reactions were proposed.