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Abstract

Copper-decorated iron carbide nanoparticles (Cu@ICNPs) are prepared following an organometallic approach, producing a multifunctional catalytic system that can be heated magnetically. ICNPs act as heating agents, generating thermal energy from the alternating current magnetic field in an extremely localized, rapid, and efficient manner, thereby heating and activating the catalytically active Cu-containing NPs present at their surface. Upon exposure to magnetic induction, the Cu@ICNPs catalyst is capable of selectively hydrodeoxygenating aromatic aldehydes under mild observable conditions (approximate to 100 degrees C, 3 bar H-2), without hydrogenation of the aromatic ring. A large scope of benzylic and non-benzylic aldehydes including key biomass-derived platform chemicals could be effectively converted to valuable aromatic alkanes. In addition, the Cu@ICNPs catalytic system is found adaptive to intermittent electricity supply, which is of great interest when considering the use of alternative renewable energy sources. In contrast, Cu@ICNPs, ICNPs, or Cu NPs show low activity when heated conventionally, even up to 200 degrees C. This work demonstrates the possibility to use magnetic induction heating to perform challenging hydrodeoxygenation reactions at mild pressure and temperature with noble metal-free catalysts, while being able to cope with fluctuating energy sources.