They have pioneered a novel method for selectively measuring the temperature of active metal nanoparticles during chemical processes.  Their study, recently published in Nature Catalysis, introduces Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) Thermometry, a cutting-edge technique that enables real-time, highly accurate temperature measurements at the nanoscale. 

This research challenges the long-held belief that catalyst temperature is evenly distributed and reminds us that nature seldom follows our simplest assumptions. Precise measurement of these heat fluctuations at nanoscale is not a mere technical detail—it is a key to refining catalytic processes, improving efficiency, and ultimately, steering industrial chemistry towards a more sustainable future.

 "Traditional thermometry methods often fail to capture the actual temperature of active catalytic sites, providing only an average reading of the surroundings. Our innovative EXAFS-based nanothermometry overcomes this limitation by directly isolating temperature fluctuations within individual nickel nanoparticles—key components in catalytic processes—and tracking their energy changes in real-time," first author Matthias Filez explains.

“XAS campaigns require a lot of organization and intense day and night work on the beamline. Seeing that collected data lead to this kind of publications makes it all worthwhile! In particular, it is surprising to see that the Debye-Waller factor, often regarded as a negative effect in data analysis, has been utilized here to extract valuable information. By re-interpreting this factor, we have found a way to reach insight that was previously overlooked," Hilde Poelman comments.

Vladimir Galvita: "While this research provides game-changing insight for catalysis, we can’t help but joke that we have designed the world’s most expensive thermometer—as the required large-scale synchrotron facilities and advanced spectroscopic techniques cost over a billion euros. It’s not exactly something you’d use to check your fever, but if you want to know the temperature of a nanoparticle inside a working reactor, this is the way to do it," he adds with a smile.

Sincere congratulations to the researchers for this great achievement. May their research path forward be filled with new questions, new answers, and new wonders yet to be uncovered!

More information

Matthias Filez, Valentijn De Coster, Hilde Poelman, Valerie Briois, Anthony Beauvois, Jolien Dendooven, Maarten B. J. Roeffaers, Vladimir Galvita & Christophe Detavernier, "Selectively monitoring the operando temperature of active metal nanoparticles during catalytic reactions by X-ray absorption nanothermometry", Nat Catal 8, 187–195 (2025).