Detailed kinetics of N2O conversion and carbon gasification over solids comprised of activated carbon impregnated with Ba, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb and V precursors salts were studied using a GUMS system. The gasification rates of carbons impregnated with binary mixtures of Mn with other metals were also tested in the temperature range between 300 and 800 degrees C using a microbalance. Synergetic effects were found for all mixtures. The highest rates were obtained for catalysts loaded with Mn + Ba and Mri + Cu. Near complete conversions were obtained around 350 degrees C for the binary Mn mixtures. N-2 and Co-2 were detected in a stoichiometry of approximately 2: 1. Some CO formation was observed at higher temperatures (above 750 degrees C). In situ XRD was carried out to identify the phases present during reactions. The ability of the metal catalysts to melt and spread on the carbon surface and chemisorb the gases going through redox transference of oxygen to the carbon reactive sites seems to explain catalytic reactivity. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.