Effect of additives, Ce and Mn, on the catalytic performance of Sn/Al 2 O 3 catalyst prepared by sol-gel method for the selective reduction of NO x with propene under lean conditions was studied. Sn-Ce/Al 2 O 3 catalysts exhibited higher activity than Sn/Al 2 O 3 catalyst and the optimum Ce loading is 0.5-1%. The promoting effect of Ce is to enhance the oxidation of NO to NO 2 and facilitate the activation of propene, both of which are important steps for the NO x reduction. The presence of oxygen contributes to the oxidation of NO and shows a promoting effect.