Nanoplate-aggregate Co3O4 microspheres for toluene combustion

Abstract

Nanoplate-aggregate microspherical Co3O4 was prepared by an ethylenediamine-assisted hydrothermal route and characterized by means of numerous techniques. Their catalytic activities for toluene combustion were evaluated. The Co3O4 sample obtained using 1.0 ml of ethylenediamine and a hydrothermal treatment at 140 °C for 12 h had a nanoplate-aggregate microspherical morphology. This microspherical Co3O4 sample with a surface area of 66 m2 g−1 had a higher adsorbed oxygen concentration and better low-temperature reducibility than bulk Co3O4. Over the Co3O4 microsphere sample, the temperatures required for 50% and 90% toluene conversions were 230 and 254 °C, respectively, at a space velocity of 20000 ml g−1 h−1. The good catalytic performance of the Co3O4 microsphere sample was related to its large surface area, high oxygen adspecies concentration, and good low-temperature reducibility.