The study of hydrogen overflow phenomenon also found another important function, that is, the strong interaction between metals and carriers, which is commonly known as SMSI (strong-metal-support-interaction) effect. When the metal is supported on a reducible metal oxide carrier such as TiO2, the reduction at high temperature leads to the reduction of the chemical adsorption and reaction ability of the metal to H2. This is because of the strong interaction between the reducible carrier and the metal, and the carrier transfers some electrons to the metal, thus reducing the chemical adsorption capacity of H2.

Affected by this effect, metal catalysts can be divided into two categories: one is hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons, and its activity is greatly inhibited; The other is the reaction with CO, such as CO+H2 reaction and CO+NO reaction, which greatly improves its activity and selectivity. As a result of the latter reaction, from the practical application point of view, it is of potential significance to use SMSI to solve energy and environmental protection problems. The metals studied are mainly precious metals, such as platinum, palladium and rhodium. At present, the research work is still very active, focusing on basic research, and the application of industrial catalysts has yet to be developed.