Researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics Develop Synergistic Palladium Single-Atom and Cluster Catalyst for High-Efficiency CO2 Conversion

Chinese researchers develop a synergistic Pd1+c/3DOM-In2O3 catalyst that uses light and heat to convert CO2 and water into fuel with high efficiency.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 6:05 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences.

Engineering Dual-Site Catalysis for Carbon Recycling

The solar-driven conversion of carbon dioxide (CO 2) into usable fuels is a cornerstone of global carbon neutrality goals. However, the process is notoriously difficult because it requires the simultaneous management of two distinct "half-reactions": the reduction of CO 2 and the oxidation of water (H 2O) to provide the necessary protons and electrons. To overcome this, researchers at the Zhejiang Sci-Tech University and the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics have designed a Pd 1+c/3DOM-In 2O3 catalyst. This material integrates two different forms of palladium—single atoms and small clusters—onto a specialized indium oxide support to create a multifunctional catalytic powerhouse.

The Structural Advantage of 3DOM Indium Oxide

The foundation of this new catalyst is its "3DOM" structure, which stands for three-dimensional ordered macroporous. This architecture resembles a microscopic honeycomb, providing a massive surface area and a network of abundant pore channels. These channels are critical for "mass transfer," allowing CO 2 and H 2O molecules to move freely into the catalyst while helping reaction intermediates stay concentrated near the active sites. The In2O 3 framework serves as more than just a support; it acts as a semiconductor that captures solar energy to generate the photogenerated electrons and holes required for the chemical transformation.

Synergistic Roles of Palladium Single Atoms and Clusters

The true innovation of the Pd 1+c system lies in the cooperation between individual palladium atoms and grouped clusters. According to Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, each site has a specialized job: