Hollow and Core–Shell Nanostructure Co3O4 Derived from a Metal Formate Framework toward High Catalytic Activity of CO Oxidation

Abstract

Hollow and core–shell particles are currently attracting global attention because of their special properties. We herein proposed a facile self-sacrificial template strategy for the synthesis of cobalt tetraoxide (Co3O4) with hollow and core–shell nanostructures. Starting with metal formate framework (MFF) template [CH3NH3][Co(HCOO)3], a series of core–shell nanostructure MFF@Co(OH)2 microboxes and hollow Co(OH)2-H were successfully obtained through a reaction between the MFF template and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) combined with different washing processes. Finally, hollow and core–shell nanostructure Co3O4 products were obtained after calcination, which inherited the structures from corresponding precursors. In addition, the formation processes of hollow and core–shell nanostructures were studied. Moreover, the catalytic activity of the as-obtained Co3O4 for carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation was investigated. Such hollow and core–shell nanostructures gave different physiochemical properties. Hollow structure C...