Doping CeO2 with Pd atoms has been associated with catalytic CO oxidation, but current surface models do not allow CO adsorption. Here, we report a new structure of Pd-doped CeO2(111), in which Pd adopts a square planar configuration instead of the previously assumed octahedral configuration. Oxygen removal from this doped structure is favorable. The resulting defective Pd-doped CeO2 surface is active for CO oxidation and is also able to cleave the first C–H bond in methane. We show how the moderate CO adsorption energy and dynamic features of the Pd atom upon CO adsorption and CO oxidation contribute to a low-barrier catalytic cycle for CO oxidation. These structures, which are also observed for Ni and Pt, can lead to a more open coordination environment around the doped-transition-metal center. These thermally stable structures are relevant to the development of single-atom catalysts.

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