Synthesis of a multicomponent (K, Zn-doped) cobalt spinel deN(2)O catalyst developed in a laboratory was extended to a pilot scale. The optimal composition and morphology of the prototype catalyst elucidated in the laboratory conditions were successfully reproduced upon large scale synthesis and shaping. Tuning of the catalyst properties was guided by in situ work function measurements in conjunction with the TPRS tests of N2O decomposition including the effect of water and oxygen inhibitors. In the pilot tests the engineered catalyst exhibited high performance (conversion >95% below 350 degrees C) in N2O removal from the real tail gases of the nitric plant for at least 20 days. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.