Metal organic framework-derived Co3O4 microcubes and their catalytic applications in CO oxidation

Abstract

Metal–organic framework (MOFs)-derived metal oxides with diverse morphologies and microporous structures have shown potential applications in heterogeneous catalysis. In this study, two types of porous Co₃O₄ catalysts, Co₃O₄–MA and Co₃O₄–DMA (MA = methylamine and DMA = dimethylamine), were successfully synthesized via a one-step pyrolysis of Co-based metal-formate frameworks, [Amine][Co(HCOO)₃] (Amine = methylamine, dimethylamine), in air. The obtained porous Co₃O₄ catalysts were systematically characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, H₂-TPR, and N₂ adsorption–desorption analysis. The results show that the obtained porous Co₃O₄ catalysts are composed of nanoparticles and inherit the morphology from the precursor [Amine][Co(HCOO)₃]. Co₃O₄–MA and Co₃O₄–DMA exhibit an excellent catalytic activity for CO oxidation, with both of them reaching a 100% CO conversion at 170 °C.