Magnetic nanoparticles capable of generating heat under alternating high-frequency electromagnetic fields were employed to drive methane bi-reforming with steam and carbon dioxide. Ni–Co alloy nanoparticles with compositions Ni₅₀Co₅₀ and Ni₃₀Co₇₀, supported on γ-Al₂O₃ pellets, were synthesized and comprehensively characterized. Their catalytic performance under magnetic induction heating was investigated as a function of alloy composition, applied magnetic field, and CO₂/H₂O feed ratio at a fixed CH₄/(CO₂+H₂O) ratio. All catalysts exhibited significant activity in methane bi-reforming, achieving high methane conversions and tunable syngas compositions. Co-rich alloys reached higher steady-state temperatures due to their higher Curie temperatures, enhancing CO₂ conversion, whereas Ni-rich catalysts showed higher activity at lower applied fields. Increasing CO₂ content in the feed promoted dry reforming, decreasing the H₂/CO ratio while improving CO₂ utilization, at the expense of increased carbon deposition. Post-reaction characterization confirmed the structural stability of the Ni-Co alloys under induction-heated operation. These results demonstrate that magnetic induction heating enables fast, localized, and controllable heating for methane bi-reforming. Proper optimization of the Ni/Co ratio and operating conditions is essential to balance catalytic activity, heating efficiency, and resistance to carbon formation, highlighting the potential of this approach for electrified and energy-efficient syngas production. © The Author(s) 2026.

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