The role of Pd-Ga bimetallic particles in the bifunctional mechanism of selective methanol synthesis via CO2 hydrogenation on a Pd/Ga2O3 catalyst

► Pd-Ga bimetallic nanoparticles are formed upon hydrogen reduction. ► Pd-Ga bimetallic nanoparticles enhance the selectivity to methanol. ► In situ infrared experiments show that Pd-Ga/Ga2O3 behaves as truly bifunctional. ► Encapsulation of Pd by Ga2O3 is observed by electron microscopy after air exposure.