MagneCat

01 / THE RESEARCH CHALLENGE

Understanding catalysts
while they work.

MagneCat measures magnetic fields generated inside working catalytic reactors. It brings together catalysis science and technology with methods for evaluating small magnetic fields developed for space applications.

The aim is to probe the formation and disappearance of magnetic phases during a reaction, helping researchers distinguish complex catalyst deactivation mechanisms.

Why it matters

Catalyst deactivation can limit the commercial deployment of chemical technologies. Several mechanisms may act together, creating a need for advanced in situ and operando characterization.

Magnetic measurements offer a complementary route for investigating these changes alongside established characterization methods, including synchrotron-based studies.

Fluxgate sensing

An array of fluxgate sensors monitors magnetic fields generated and diminished during cyclic reduction–oxidation processes.

Bench-scale experiments

The work begins with bench-scale catalytic reactors. Prof. Yentekakis’ laboratory at the Technical University of Crete provides reactor infrastructure.

The experimental arrangement connects controlled gas delivery, the reactor and downstream detection.

Quantalyx pitch deck

Explore the project’s innovation perspective through the Quantalyx pitch deck already available in the laboratory’s project archive.

MagneCat workshop

The project workshop was scheduled for 4 November 2025, 11:30–17:30, to present scientific results and research outcomes at the conclusion of the project.

Supported research

The project is carried out within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan Greece 2.0, funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU (Implementation Body: HFRI)