Pd was grown by ALD on STO nanocuboids with either TiO2- or SrO-terminated surfaces.
STO nanocuboids serve as a bridge between model and commercial catalyst support.
The morphology and oxidation state of Pd were studied as a function of ALD cycles.
Pd nanoparticles show better wetting on the TiO2–STO than the SrO–STO surface.
Residual (hfac)2 influences Pd growth by hindering the migration of Pd on SrO–STO.