Facile cyclodextrin-assisted synthesis of highly active CuO-CeO2/MCF catalyst for CO oxidation

•MCF silica supported CuOCeO2 catalysts were used for CO oxidation.•CD-assisted co-impregnation was superior to traditional co-impregnation.•Catalyst prepared by CD-assisted method has high activity and stability.•Kind of CD used in preparation has no distinct effect on catalyst activity.•Amount of CD used in preparation has no distinct effect on catalyst activity.