The Role of Lattice Distortion in Catalysis: Functionality and Distinctions from Strain

Achieving high-performance catalysts is imperative for clean energy and environmental applications. In this context, an expanding body of research underscores the critical significance of structural modifications, with lattice distortion emerging as an intrinsic reconfiguration of atomic arrangements that profoundly influences catalytic processes. By contrast, strain typically arises from interfacial mismatches or external forces. Building on these distinctions, this review systematically compares these concepts, examining their definitions, origins, criteria, characterization methods, and impacts on catalytic activity. Special emphasis is placed on the mechanistic roles of lattice distortion in catalysis, particularly its ability to enhance function through intrinsic structure modification, carrier migration dynamics modulation, surface chemistry modulation, and enhanced catalyst stability. Furthermore, the impact of lattice distortion on enhancing catalytic reactivity is elucidated by influencing molecular adsorption and activation, optimizing reaction pathways, tailoring active sites, and coupling with spin polarization effects to promote efficient catalytic performance. Finally, the remaining challenges and future outlook in the synergistic regulation of local distortion and strain, multi-scale dynamic in-situ characterization, and sustainable strategies for practical applications are discussed, offering valuable insights for advancing efficient and scalable chemical and energy transformation technologies.