A metal-doped or metal-exchanged zeolite is disclosed, wherein the doping metal is present in the zeolite in the form of individual atoms i.e. as monomeric and/or dimeric species. Further, a process for the preparation of such a metal-doped or metal-exchanged zeolite is disclosed. The metal-doped zeolites are useful, in particular, as catalysts for the reduction of nitrogen oxides.

A cold start catalyst is disclosed. The cold start catalyst comprises a zeolite catalyst and a supported platinum group metal catalyst. The zeolite catalyst comprises a base metal, a noble metal, and a zeolite. The supported platinum group metal catalyst comprises one or more platinum group metals and one or more inorganic oxide carriers. The invention also includes an exhaust system comprising the cold start catalyst. The cold start catalyst and the process result in improved NO.sub.x storage and NO.sub.x conversion, improved hydrocarbon storage and conversion, and improved CO oxidation through the cold start period.