Carbon-NSR catalyst interaction: Impact on catalyst structure and NOx storage efficiency

► Effect of carbon-catalyst contact on the NOx storage capacity of NSR catalysts. ► Contact between carbon and NOx storage catalysts affect nitrate species formed far from Pt. ► Carbon oxidation process led to premature aging of the catalysts. ► Carbon oxidation process induces structural modifications of the catalysts. ► The structural modifications lead to a decrease of NOx storage through the 'nitrite' route.