The kinetics of N2O conversion with activated carbon impregnated with binary mixtures of Fe with Co, Cu, Mg, Ni, Pb and V was studied in the temperature range of 300-650 degrees C using a microbalance. Synergetic effects were found for the Fe binary mixtures. External diffusion limitations to mass transfer seem to take place in the reaction with N2O above 600 degrees C. N2O conversion was also followed and reaction products were identified as N-2 and CO2 in a stoichiometry of 2: 1. In situ XRD was carried out to identify the phases present during reactions. The ability of the catalysts to chemisorb N2O dissociatively going through redox transference of oxygen to the carbon reactive sites seems to explain catalytic activity. (c) 2007 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.