The Cu-Co mixed oxide catalysts were prepared on a La2O3/ZrO2/SS support by thermal decomposition of nitrate precursors. The catalyst samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) and Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) surface area. The XPS data indicated the formation of some amount of CuO together with the Cu-Co spinel after annealing at 550 ° C. The Cu-Co/ZrO2/SS thin film catalysts were tested for three-way catalytic performance and showed moderate activity. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.