Alternating magnetic fields generated from radiofrequency radiation (AMF-RF) can be used to selectively heat magnetic nanomaterials suspended in fluids without bulk heating. This enhances catalytic performance in a rapid and energy-efficient manner by increasing the surface temperatures of magnetic alloy catalysts (e.g., NiCo, PtFe) without generating bulk heat like conventional bulk heating methods (e.g., oven heating, heating jackets). To demonstrate this enhancement effect, catalytic nitrite hydrogenation was performed over PtFe alloy (50:50 nominal wt%) nanoparticles under the influence of AMF-RF heating. The control study demonstrated that PtFe5050 nanoparticles were active for nitrite hydrogenation at room temperature, achieving an initial reaction rate of 0.095ppm/min and lowering the nitrite concentration by 20% in 2 hours. Under the influence of AMF-RF heating, however, the initial reaction rate for the nitrite hydrogenation increased nearly tenfold, reaching 0.83ppm/min and lowering the nitrite concentration by ~100% in 2 hours without any bulk temperature change. This work illustrates the advantages of AMF-RF heating to enhance the rate and energy-efficiency of catalytic reactions.

Enhancing catalytic nitrite hydrogenation via radiofrequency irradiation of magnetic PtFe nanoparticles

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