Low-temperature NO storage process over Pt/CeO2–ZrO2 was studied in detail by the isothermal adsorption and the temperature-programmed adsorption measurement mimicking cold start of the real diesel engine. Maximal NOx storage capacity determined by saturation of Pt/Ce–Zr at 120 °C approaches ~0.18 mmol/g (8.5 \({\text{g}}_{{{\text{NO}}_{2} }}\)/kgcat). TPD and in situ FTIR study indicated that NO is stored over catalyst surface as nitrite (\({\text{NO}}_{2}^{ - }\))surf and nitrate (\({\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - }\))surf species. NOx storage capacity was found to be a function of NO inlet concentration in accordance with the relationship: NOstored ~ [NOx,inlet]0.4. CO2 significantly deteriorates NOx storage at 100–200 °C presumably due to formation of surface carbonate species decomposed above 200–250 °C.