Adsorption synthesized cobalt-containing mesoporous silica SBA-15 as highly active catalysts for epoxidation of styrene with molecular oxygen

►Co was introduced into aminopropyl-functionalized SBA-15 by an adsorption method. ►Cobalt ions were highly dispersed in aminopropyl-functionalized SBA-15. ►The cobalt-containing SBA-15 showed high activity in epoxidation of styrene with O2. ►The material possessed excellent stability and recyclability in the reaction.