ZSM-5 nanosheets were prepared using [C18H37-N+(CH3)(2)-C6H12-N+(CH3)(2)-C6H13]Br-2 as a template and then ion-exchanged with Cu cations. The catalytic performance of the obtained Cu-ZSM-5 nanosheets in N2O decomposition was investigated and compared with that of conventional Cu-ZSM-5. Higher activity as well as better stability was observed for Cu-ZSM-5 nanosheets although the Cu contents of the catalysts were identical. Relevant characterization was conducted using XRF, ICP, XRD, N-2 adsorption desorption, SEM, TEM, CO-IR, H-2-TPR and O-2-TPD. The data show that the better catalytic performance of Cu-ZSM-5 nanosheets is probably due to better accessibility of active sites, better reducibility of active Cu+ species, and the weakened interaction between oxygen and Cu+ sites. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.