NOX STORAGE CATALYST WITH REDUCED RH LOADING

The present invention relates to a nitrogen oxide storage catalyst comprising : a substrate; a first washcoat layer disposed on the substrate, the first washcoat layer comprising metal oxide support particles and a nitrogen oxide storage material comprising at least one metal compound selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth meta! compounds, alkali metal compounds, rare earth metal compounds, and mixtures thereof, at least a portion of said at least one metal compound being supported on the metal oxide support particles; and a second washcoat layer disposed over the first washcoat layer, said second washcoat layer comprising Rh, wherein the first washcoat layer contains substantially no Rh, and wherein the second washcoat layer is disposed on 100 - x % of the surface of the first washcoat layer, x ranging from 20 to 80.