In this paper, we describe the development of two parallel real time detection systems for the analysis of the products of a heterogeneously catalyzed gas phase reaction based on the photoacoustic effect. We developed a process addressing the problem of automated catalyst preparation and prepared bulk metal oxides with high surface areas by an automated, parallelized synthesis based on activated carbon. To evaluate analytical systems and catalytic activity of our materials we performed catalytical tests in CO oxidation and ODH of ethane. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.