A dual functional catalyst, comprising cylindrical pellets which are moulded such that a cross-section of each pellet has a window-lattice shape with external teeth or a star shape with inner spokes, wherein in said window-lattice shape, the distance between two opposite sides in each cell is within the range of 2-8 mm, the thickness of the rib is within the range of 1-6 mm, and wherein in said star shape with inner spokes, the number of spokes is 2-20, the thickness of the rib is within the range of 1-6 mm, and wherein the catalyst is simultaneously and efficiently capable of performing catalysis and fractionation functions when it is directly and randomly loaded into a reaction section of catalytic distillation equipment.