Directionally Anchored Binuclear Copper Sites in Zeolites Break the Activity–Stability Trade-Off for NH ₃ -SCR

Precisely constructing efficient and stable Cu sites in zeolites is highly desirable yet remains synthetically challenging for NH 3 -SCR catalysis. Herein, we report a precursor-directed hydrothermal strategy for the direct synthesis of SAPO-34 containing directionally anchored binuclear Cu sites. By introducing a preorganized dicopper complex into the SAPO-34 crystallization system, a structurally defined Cu-Cu motif is established across the six- and eight-membered-ring environments. This configuration enriches framework-associated [ZCu 2+ (OH)] + and Z 2 Cu 2+ species, suppresses CuO x aggregation, and optimizes the local pore-acid environment. As a result, the catalyst exhibits markedly improved NH 3 -SCR performance, including enhanced low-temperature activity, a broad temperature window, and high N 2 selectivity. More importantly, the binuclear Cu structure imparts strong resistance to H 2 O/SO 2 poisoning and hydrothermal aging by stabilizing active Cu species against migration, dealumination-induced loss, and irreversible aggregation. This work highlights multinuclear site engineering as an effective strategy for developing Cu-zeolite catalysts that combine high activity with good durability.