Fig. 7: Schematic diagram of LNCO-SML stabilized by perovskite LaCrO₃ surface lattice (space group Pbnm, La not shown).

LNCO-SML represents La(NiCo)O_Δ submonolayer. M represents Ni or Co. The MO₆ octahedron in the gray rectangle represents a Ni³⁺ or Co³⁺ cation coordinated to six O^2- anions. O_α, O_β, and O_γ have different bonding configurations with M and Cr. CH₄ and CO₂ are the reactants, and H₂ and CO are the products of DRM. Losses of O_α and O_β will reduce Ni³⁺ or Co³⁺ cations to the low-valent states (Ni^δ+ or Co^δ+) and expose the Ni or Co 3d orbitals to the reactants (or reaction intermediates).