In this study, novel hydrogenation catalysts consisting of palladium (Pd) immobilized in a nickel wire (Pd/Ni-w) were prepared via the application of an external electromagnetic field. Scanning electron microscopy were used to detect the characteristics and morphology of the catalysts, respectively. The Pd content of the Pd/Ni-w was found to range from 13 wt.% to 15 wt.% via inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. The size of the Pd particles in Pd/Ni-w was determined to be in the range 20-100 nm via high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, the Pd/Ni-w acted as a catalyst for the hydrogenation of bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), with nearly 100% conversion of DEHP being obtained at 180 degrees C and 1000 psi. The reduction temperatures of the novel Ni-w support were 266 degrees C and 296 degrees C according to TPR measurements. The activation energy for the Pd/Ni-w-catalyzed hydrogenation of DEHP was calculated to be 35 kJ/mol. This high-performance hydrogenation catalyst has potential for commercialization due its easy production and low cost. (C) 2020 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.