Mechanochemical synthesis of TiO2/NiFe2O4 magnetic catalysts for operation under RF field

•Novel NiFe2O4–TiO2 composite magnetic catalysts have been prepared by mechanochemical synthesis.•The synthesis time of 30min provides the highest specific absorption rate (SAR) in RF heating.•Formation of NiTiO3 phase during calcination decreases the SAR of the catalysts.•High stability of the NiFe2O4–TiO2 catalyst was observed in a continuous amide bond synthesis under RF heating.