This review provides a general overview of recent applications of magnetic nanoparticles for controlled radiofrequency (RF) heating in catalytic synthesis, mass transfer enhancement in laminar fl ow and magnetic separation. By directly delivering RF energy to magnetic materials, issues such as long heating periods and energy losses can be minimized. The main mechanisms of RF heating are briefl y reviewed. The effect of nanoparticles size, shape and composition on the effi ciency of RF heating is discussed. RF energy has been shown to be effective in many applications, however, it is still not used in chemicals due to high equipment costs.