Effect of preparation of iron-infiltrated activated carbon catalysts on nitrogen oxide conversion at low temperature

•Effect of preparation of iron-infiltrated activated carbon catalysts on nitrogen oxide conversion at low temperature.•We compare the preparation of catalysts by chemical vapor infiltration and by the incipient wetness method.•Crystalline iron oxide is only detected in catalysts prepared by chemical vapor infiltration.•The co-deposition of silica and iron keeps the pores well accessible during the infiltration and catalysis.•Fe/SiO2-co-deposited activated carbon exhibits the best NOx conversion performance at 425K.