Cu, Co, or Ni species in exchanged Y zeolite catalysts and their denitration performance for selective catalytic reduction by ammonia

•Ammonia wet ion exchange method (AWIE) was useful for increasing ionic species and improving ion polymerization degree in traditional NaY (Si/Al = 2.5) zeolites.•The relationship between Cu, Co, Ni species and SCR performance was revealed for zeolite catalysts.•Moderate redox rate and strong acid sites were in favor of N2 selectivity and high temperature activity for zeolite catalysts.