High temps in the catalytic converter can sinter the precious metals, reducing the surface area of catalytically active surfaces, but I believe the effect is much more pronounced in CO and HC activation. The conversion of NOx is much more constant.
Internal Combustion Engine Handbook by van Basshuysen and Schafer. My edition is rather old (2004) so there may a newer one with different info as diesel and emission tech has changed a bit in the last 20 years.