Literature data and results obtained in this laboratory are used to compare catalysts supported on either zeolites or amorphous oxides and used in NO, reduction to N-2. The data show that the catalytic activity of the zeolite-based materials is higher if alkanes, alkenes, or organic oxygenates are used as reductants, but with ammonia the performance of both groups of catalysts is comparable. These findings are rationalized in the context of the present knowledge of the mechanism of NO, reduction. Transition metals form oxo-ions on zeolites, but solid solutions on alumina. On zeolites, optimal Coulomb stabilization can be achieved if heterolytic dissociation of molecules transforms multipositive cations to monopositive cations. N2O4 dissociates to form NO+ + NO3- on BaNa/Y. In contrast, no NO+ ions are detected on BaO/gamma-Al2O3. Another important parameter is the high heat of adsorption of small molecules in the narrow zeolite pores. Because oxygenates are superior to alkanes in competing against water for active sites, NOx reduction with alkanes is favored by zeolites with low Al/Si ratios, but NOx reduction with acetaldehyde is more efficient on a faujasite with a high At/Si ratio. Over these catalysts, water vapor actually enhances NOx reduction by preventing formation of crotonaldehyde, which would poison catalyst sites. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier Inc.