Single and bi-metallic silver modified ZSM-5 catalysts were synthesized using different methods of preparation, characterized by several techniques and tested in simulated diesel conditions. Additionally the catalytic behaviour of the most active catalyst, containing 5 wt.% Ag and prepared by impregnation (5Ag(Imp)-H-ZSM-5), was studied over a broad temperature range with two reducing agents (octane and propene). To correlate the catalytic activity of the prepared catalysts with preparation parameters the materials were characterized by XRD, SEM, N-2-physisorption, octane/propene-TPD, EPR and ICP techniques. A dual bed system consisting of Ag/alumina and the most active zeolitic material (5Ag(Imp)-H-ZSM-5) was shown not only to substantially enhance the activity of Ag/alumina in the low temperature region, but also to completely oxidize the CO and unburned hydrocarbons. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.