Synthesis, characterization and catalytic properties of nanodimensional nickel ferrite/silica composites

Nanosized NiFe 2O 4/silica composites are synthesized using the sol–gel method. The investigated compounds are active in the reaction of catalytic methanol decomposition. Significant differences in their catalytic activity and selectivity to methane, depending on the preparation conditions are observed. In this aspect, nickel ferrites composites opens new prospects for the selectivity control of methanol decomposition to hydrogen, methane or CO. ▪ Nanosized nickel ferrite/silica composites are synthesized using the sol–gel method. X-rays diffraction, Mössbauer and infrared spectroscopies, magnetic measurements and thermo-programmed reduction with hydrogen are used for their characterization. Significant differences in their catalytic activity and selectivity in methanol decomposition to CO and methane, depending on the ferrite/silica ratio, the annealing temperature and the phase transformations of the samples by the reaction medium are observed.