The performance of various CeO2/H-ZSM5 catalysts was evaluated for the oxidation of one of the most common chlorinated pollutants found in waste streams, namely 1,2-dichloroethane. The supported samples with varying CeO2 loading (6-50 wt.%) were prepared by impregnation and subsequently calcined at 550 degrees C. Structural, morphological and physico-chemical changes caused by the CeO2 addition were analysed by X-ray diffraction, transmission electronic microscopy, N-2-physisorption, temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia and temperature-programmed reduction with hydrogen. The enhancement of the catalytic behaviour of the resulting samples with respect to plain H-ZSM5 could be accounted for on the basis of the synergetic role played by oxygen mobility and acid sites. Hence, an optimum cerium loading of 11 wt.% was found with a T-50 value around 210 degrees C. At 350 degrees C, where conversion of the chlorinated feed is about 99%, the major oxidation products were carbon oxides and hydrogen chloride with a reduced presence of chlorinated by-products and molecular chlorine. A relatively good catalytic stability was noticed during 80 h time on line. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.