Toluene total oxidation over Co supported catalysts synthesised using “memory effect” of Mg–Al hydrotalcite

Cobalt supported on calcined hydrotalcite catalysts were prepared using the memory effect of Mg–Al hydrotalcite. Mg–Al was calcined at different temperatures (500, 600 and 700 °C) and dipped in a Co nitrate aqueous solution. Mg–Al was regenerated and Co catalysts were obtained after the calcination under air at 500 °C. The catalyst synthesised with hydrotalcite calcined at 700 °C (Co/Mg–Al(700)500) showed high activity and selectivity for toluene oxidation. This interesting catalytic behaviour was correlated to the high quantity of Co species reducible at low temperature.