The catalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide was studied over Zn, Al, Rh-mixed oxides derived from hydrotalcite-like compounds (HTlc) as a precursor. The study showed that, when the Zn/Al atomic ratio was 3, the rate of ZnAlRh-HTlc for N2O decomposition increased with Rh loading up to 1.4 wt% (4.55 x 10(4) mu mol g(-1) h(-1) at 400 degrees C), and levels off with further increase in Rh loading. Analogous behavior was found in the presence of NO2 and water. In the presence of 0.5% water, the activity decreased with decreasing Zn/Al ratio, whereas the activity for N2O decomposition in the presence of 0.1% NO2 reached a maximum when the Zn/Al ratio was 3. The observed catalytic activities were comparable to those of the reported catalysts in the presence of NO2 and water.