Three way catalysts (TWCs) for catalyst systems are disclosed. The disclosed TWC systems include Iron (Fe)-activated Rhodium (Rh) and Barium (Ba)-Palladium (Pd) layers capable of interacting with conventional and/or non-conventional catalyst supports and additives. Variations of TWC system samples are produced including Fe-activated Rh layers deposited onto a washcoat (WC) layer having one or more of an oxygen storage material (OSM). Other TWC system samples are produced including an impregnation (IMPG) layer having loading variations of Ba within a Pd, Ce, and Nd applied onto an OSM WC layer, and a further overcoat layer including Fe-activated Rh is applied onto the IMPG layer. The catalytic performance of disclosed TWC catalysts is evaluated by performing a series of light-off tests, wide pulse perturbation tests, and standard isothermal oxygen storage capacity oscillating tests. Disclosed TWC catalysts exhibit high catalytic performance and significant oxygen storage capacity.