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

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.