The formation and stability of BaAl2O4 and BaCeO3 in Pt-Ba/Al2O3 and Pt-Ba/CeO2 based NO, storage-reduction (NSR) catalysts has been investigated using kinetic measurements, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. In as-prepared state, the Ba-component in the NSR catalysts was made up of amorphous BaO and BaCO3. The formation of BaAl2O4 started above 850 degrees C, whereas the formation of BaCeO3 was already observed at 800 degrees C and was faster than that of BaAl2O4. The stability of BaAl2O4 and BaCeO3 in various liquid and gaseous atmospheres was different. BaAl2O4 was rapidly hydrated at room temperature in the presence of water and transformed to Ba(NO3)(2) and,gamma-alumina in the presence of HNO3, whereas BaCeO3 was decomposed to much lower extent under these conditions. Interestingly, BaCeO3 was transformed to Ba(NO3)(2)/CeO2 in the presence of NO2/H2O at 300-500 degrees C. Also, the presence Of CO2 led to decomposition of barium cerate, which has important consequences for the catalyst ageing under NOx-storage conditions and can be exploited for regeneration of thermally aged NSR-catalysts. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.