Calibrated Co3O4 nanoparticles patterned in SBA-15 silicas: Accessibility and activity for CO oxidation

The catalytic performances in CO oxidation of Co3O4 nanoparticles patterned in the porosity of SBA-15 silicas are investigated. Accessibility limitations of the reactants to the catalytic sites are clearly revealed, when the Co3O4 nanoparticles are embedded in the SBA-15 pores. Despite these limitations, the synthesised Co3O4 nanoparticles exhibit promising CO oxidation properties.