Method for decomposing N2O utilizing catalysts comprising calcined anionic clay minerals

The invention describes a highly efficient catalytic pollution control process for removing N2O from gaseous mixtures. The process utilizes catalysts derived from anionic clay minerals, which after appropriate heat activation, provide superior N2O decomposition activity. The catalytic process comprises contacting an N2O-containing gaseous mixture with the decomposition catalyst under conditions sufficient to convert the N2O into gaseous nitrogen and gaseous oxygen. The process catalysts are derived from anionic clay materials such as the hydrotalcites, sjogrenites and pyroaurites. A small but critical amount of an activator metal is provided to promote the decomposition of N2O, particularly in wet gas steams. The activator metal may be an alkali metal such as sodium, potassium or lithium, or an alkaline-earth metal such as magnesium, with sodium giving particularly good results.