Regulation of Al distributions and Cu2+ locations in SSZ-13 zeolites for NH3-SCR of NO by different alkali metal cations

•Alkali metal cations have a great effect on the framework Al distribution of SSZ-13.•Li+ favors formation of more paired Al species in D6-MRs of CHA cages.•Paired Al accommodate isolated Cu2+ species that are more active for NH3-SCR of NO.•Some [Cu(OH)-]+ can be converted into isolated Cu2+ by treating in low-content H2O/air.