Magnetically-induced CO2 methanation using exchange - coupled spinel ferrites in cuboctahedron-shaped nanocrystals.

A magnetically induced catalysis can be promoted taking advantage of optimal heating properties from the magnetic nanoparticles to be employed. However, if unprotected, these heating agents that are usually air-sensitive, get sintered under the harsh catalytic conditions. In this context, we present, to the best of our knowledge, the first example of air-stable magnetic nanoparticles that: a) show an excellent performance as heating agents in the CO 2 methanation catalyzed by Ni/SiRAlOx, with CH 4 yields above 95%, and b) do not sinter under reaction conditions. To attain both characteristics we demonstrate, first the exchange-coupled magnetic approach as an alternative and effective way to tune the magnetic response and heating efficiency, and second, the chemical stability of cuboctahedron-shaped core-shell hard CoFe 2 O 4 - soft Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles.