Fluxgate Configuration for Obtaining Magnetic Properties of Catalytic Nanoparticles: A Feasibility Study

Catalytic nanoparticles play a key role in our lives and are an important tool for the transition to a more sustainable future. 85-90% of all manmade chemicals pass through at least one catalytic step. Ferromagnetic nanoparticles are used in vital reactions such as the production of hydrogen, ammonia and synthetic hydrocarbons. Understanding the properties of these catalysts is essential for the development of novel robust materials with desired functions. Potentially magnetic measurements can provide information about electronic configuration and nanoparticle size under reaction conditions. In the paper, a near field approximation is applied to the inverse measurement problem. The simulation is based on a proposed fluxgate arrangement for the detection of magnetism from cobalt-based catalytic materials. Results demonstrate that the measurement of Co-based catalysts is possible at low sample amounts <1 gr and from distances that allow space for conditioning equipment such as temperature supply and control or a secondary measuring arrangement.