Herein is reported a method to encapsulate a catalytically active precious metal core with a shell having not only thermal stability, but also oxygen storage. The synthesis is straightforward and carried out in an aqueous system. The shell provides thermal resistance to metal sintering. A multi-metal oxide shell prevents sintering above 1000 °C and imparts oxygen storage to the system. Porosity within the shell allows for gas egress allowing the reactants to reach the catalytic core and products to diffuse away.