Titanium silicalite (TS-1) zeolite was in situ synthesized successfully on the surface of honeycomb cordierite substrate, which was certified by XRD and SEM techniques. The in situ synthesized monolithic TS-1/cordierite showed superior thermal and hydrothermal stabilities. Cu-TS-1/cordierite prepared with ion-exchange and impregnation methods were studied as catalysts for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxides (NOx). For practicality, the evaluation experiments were carried out in exhaust of a real lean burn engine without any other additive. Cu-TS-1/cordierite prepared with two methods both exhibited similar high activities, and at about 715 K, the max NO, conversion could reach 58% in the space velocity (SV) of 12000 h(-1). Ion-exchanged Cu-TS-1/cordierite had superior duration and anti-poison properties while impregnated Cu-TS-1/cordierite not. Cooper is the main active component in the catalyst and Cu(I), which was found in the catalyst during the proceeding of reaction by XPS, is thought to be essential. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.