Cobalt isonicotinate tetrahydrate has been explored as the molecular precursor for the fabrication of both the bare and SBA-15 supported Co3O4. This method appears to be effective in minimizing the formation of oxide particles outside the mesopore volumes of SBA-15. Microstructural properties of the synthesized materials have been investigated by the PXRD, SEM, TEM, H2-TPR, N2-Physisorption, and DR. UV–Visible and Raman spectroscopic techniques. The SBA-15 supported nanocomposite has shown excellent catalytic activity giving 95% conversion in the epoxidation of styrene using TBHP as the oxidant. Deposition of trace amount of gold significantly enhances the epoxide selectivity of the catalysts up to 85%. The catalysts have shown excellent reusability.