Characterization and catalytic activity for the NO decomposition and reduction by CO of nanosized Co3O4

Nanosized Co3O4 prepared by a precipitation method was characterized by TEM, XRD, BET and TPD techniques, and studied for NO decomposition and reduction by CO. It is found that Co3O4 thus obtained has a specific surface area of 23.4 m2/g and an average particle size of 26 nm. Catalytic tests showed that full NO conversion to N2 was obtained above 300 °C. A redox mechanism between Co3+ and Co2+ ions based on NO decomposition is proposed.