The CeO2 or/and CuO modified USY zeolite catalysts were prepared and investigated in the catalytic behavior for chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) decomposition as well as the durability during 100 h exposure to 1,2-chloroethane (DCE). The results reveal that modified USY catalysts show good catalytic activity for CVOCs decomposition, and high selectivity to the formation of CO2 and HCl. The better catalytic activity of the CeO2 or/and CuO modified USY catalysts can be ascribed to the high dispersion of active phases (CeO2 or CuO). the improved mobility of active oxygen species and the increment of Lewis acidity. The addition of CeO2 or/and CuO improves the durability of the catalysts during the long term exposure to IKE due to the slight coke deposition and preserved high density of acid sites. Crown Copyright (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.