Compound of La2-xSrxCuO4 (x >= 0.5) with T* phase structure were prepared by conventional citric method. The split peak at 2 theta = similar to 31 degrees in XRD patterns and the broad absorption band at 680 cm(-1) with a shoulder peak at 620 cm(-1) in IR spectra suggested the formation of T* phase in La2-xSrxCuO4 compounds at x >= 0.5. The amount of sample with T* phase structure increased with the increase of Sr content as certified by XRD patterns. Catalytic performance of La2-xSrxCuO4 for NO decomposition was investigated, and it was found, by correlating the solid-state properties and the activity of NO decomposition, that the presence of T* phase structure enhanced the catalytic activity of La2-xSrxCuO4 in NO decomposition. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.