Mechanism O 2 uptake In situ DRIFTS a b s t r a c tThe mechanism of selective catalytic oxidation (SCO) of NH 3 over Ag/Al 2 O 3 was studied by NH 3 temperature-programed oxidation, O 2 -pulse adsorption, and in situ DRIFTS of NH 3 adsorption and oxidation. The essence which affects the low temperature activity of Ag/Al 2 O 3 has been elucidated through the mechanism study. Different Ag species on Ag/Al 2 O 3 significantly influence O 2 uptake by catalysts; while different oxygen species affect the activity of NH 3 oxidation at low temperature. The activated -NH could react with the atomic oxygen (O) at low temperatures (<140°C); however, the -NH could also interact with the O 2 at temperatures above 140°C. At low temperatures (<140°C), NH 3 oxidation follows the -NH mechanism. However, at temperatures above 140°C, NH 3 oxidation follows an in situ selective catalytic reduction (iSCR) mechanism (two-step formation of N 2 via the reduction of an in situ-produced NO x species by a NH x species).