We study and design of catalysts that can self-heat via magnetic induction and their application for energy intensive reactions. The materials are based on metal nanoparticles with a two-fold functionality: they are able to serve as a catalyst for various reactions involved in the production of chemicals and they can reach the reaction temperature by generating heat via induction when placed in an alternating magnetic field. Because the heating occurs right where it is needed, inside the solid catalyst, induction can bring catalytic systems to achieve conversions well above the state of the art, by ensuring that the active sites are at temperatures higher than their local environment.

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The understanding of solid catalysts requires their study under real reaction conditions. In order to achieve this, we use in situ and operando characterization techniques, such as XRD, X-ray absorption, IR and Raman spectroscopies, where the solid catalysts are placed in special cells that can operate at pressures and temperatures relevant for the industrial application.