The catalytic properties of the activated carbons treated with N-compounds and promoted with manganese oxides were studied in SCR reaction with ammonia in absence and presence of water. The catalysts were characterized by the elemental analysis, low-temperature Ar sorption, thermogravimetric analysis with the analysis of surface species, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The addition of H2O to SCR decreased activity by 10-20% and increased selectivity to N-2. The catalysts are quite promising for SCR reaction at lower temperatures in the range of 180-260 degrees C. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.