Robust palladium oxide nano-cluster catalysts using atomic ions and strong interactions for high-performance methane oxidation

Optimizing metal catalyst structures to achieve desired states is vital for efficient surface reactions, yet remains challenging due to the lack of well-defined precursor materials and weak metal-support interaction. Palladium-based catalysts, when not properly tailored for complete methane oxidation exhibit insufficient performance. Herein, we fabricate Pd oxide nano-clusters supported on SSZ-13 using atomic ions with strong metal-support interaction (SMSI). Steam treatment of Pd/SSZ-13 transforms Pd particles into ions and induces SMSI. Subsequently, CO reduction and O₂ oxidation yield mildly sintered Pd oxide nano-clusters firmly anchored on extra-framework Al_penta sites of SSZ-13, facilitating superior activity. The robustness from SMSI prevents irreversible deactivation, and water-resistance by complete dehydration suppresses reversible degradation in wet conditions. This catalyst exhibits high performance in bench-scale reactions using monolith catalysts, ensuring applicability for industrial methane abatement. The results demonstrate that sequential treatment to Pd/SSZ-13 offers a promising approach for tailoring metal structures to enable high-performance methane oxidation.