Short summary: Magnetically heated catalysis is an emerging technology for the electrification of chemical processes. Here, the heat is generated directly within magnetic nanoparticles, embedded within a catalyst support, when exposed to a high-frequency alternating magnetic field. This enables rapid, localized heating of catalyst surfaces, enhancing catalytic activity and energy efficiency. These multi-functional, hierarchically structured nanocomposite materials are composed of magnetic cores, supports, and a catalytically active phase.

Applying this advanced approach to biomass valorisation or ammonia synthesis leads to more sustainable, low-carbon and energy-efficient chemical processes. This seminar explored how this innovative technique can be applied to HMF (5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural) hydrogenation using Ru-based catalysts, as well as to ammonia synthesis using noble-metal-free CoNi‑based alternatives. In both systems, the results highlight the crucial role of ceria (cerium(IV) oxide) as a powerful promoter that significantly enhances overall catalytic performance.