Isotope exchange (I.E) of 18 O 2 for oxygen captured in Fe-FER after decomposition of nitrous oxide proceeds readily even at room temperature, provided that the amount of surface NO x species, formed as a secondary product of the N 2 O decomposition, is relatively low. If 18 O 2 is present during the decomposition of nitrous oxide above 250°C, or if nitrous oxide labeled with 18 O is employed, 18 O appears also in NO x species, and I.E easily occurs with zeolite framework oxygens.