Acidic TiNb2O7 nanospheres supported with CeO2 to enhance NH3-SCR denitrification activity and resistance to H2O and SO2: Synergistic effect of CeO2 and TiNb2O7

•Novel TiNb2O7 nano-microsphere materials with good acidity as support for NH3-SCR denitrification.•Good resistance to SO2 and H2O due to promotion of NH3 adsorption in presence of SO2/H2O.•Excellent NH3-SCR activity at 240–450 ℃ and good resistance to H2O/SO2 over 8%CeO2/TiNb2O7.•Short-range ordered Cen+–O2--Nbn+ and Cen+–O2--Tin+ bonds from interaction among Ce, Ti and Nb.•Follow mainly E-R mechanism over 8%Ce/TiNb2O7 catalyst.