Three-dimensional ordered mesoporous cobalt oxides: Highly active catalysts for the oxidation of toluene and methanol

Three-dimensional (3D) ordered mesoporous cubic Co3O4 (denoted as Co-KIT6 and Co-SBA16) were fabricated adopting the KIT-6- and SBA-16-templating strategies, respectively. It is shown that Co-KIT6 and Co-SBA16 possessed large surface areas (118–121 m2/g), high oxygen adspecies concentrations, and good low-temperature reducibility. Over Co-KIT6 at space velocity = 20,000 mL/(g h), 90% toluene and methanol conversions were achieved at 180 and 139 °C, respectively. The excellent catalytic performance of Co-KIT6 and Co-SBA16 was associated with their larger surface areas, higher oxygen adspecies concentrations, better low-temperature reducibility, and 3D ordered mesoporous structure.

High-surface-area 3D ordered mesoporous Co3O4 (denoted as Co-KIT6 and Co-SBA16) can be fabricated with the KIT-6 and SBA-16-templating strategies, respectively. The Co-KIT6 and Co-SBA16 catalysts possess large surface areas, high oxygen adspecies concentrations, good low-temperature reducibility, and 3D ordered mesoporous structures, which are responsible for their excellent performance for toluene and methanol oxidation.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Vacuum treatment favors the formation of 3D ordered mesoporous structure.
► 3D ordered mesoporous structure possesses high surface area.
► 3D ordered mesoporous structure exhibits good low-temperature reducibility.
► Mesoporous structure, reducibility, and oxygen species determine catalytic activity.