An efficient C3H8-SCR catalyst with remarkable surface acidity, high surface area and high hydrothermal stability has been developed using an innovative catalyst preparation technique. In this method, a combination of direct and post-synthesis methods (DS-PS) has been employed sequentially for the preparation of a highly Zr-loaded SBA-15 (32.1 wt%). A series of novel catalysts have been developed by doping various contents of nickel on the prepared Zr-loaded support and have been used for NO reduction with propane in the presence of excess oxygen and water vapor in a fixed bed reactor. Among the various catalysts prepared, the catalyst with a nickel content of 2.5 wt% exhibited the highest activity with the ability to fully convert NO into N-2 in the presence of 10% oxygen, 1750 ppm propane and 500 ppm NO at 450 degrees C. A satisfactory catalytic activity has been found in the presence of 7 vol% of water vapor. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.