CoMn2O4 hierarchical microspheres with high catalytic activity towards p-nitrophenol reduction

Abstract

The CoMn₂O₄ hierarchical microspheres assembled by nanosheets through thermal decomposition of the precursor at different temperatures were first used as catalysts in the reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol. The sample prepared at 500 °C shows the highest catalytic activity (k_app 14.95 × 10⁻³ s⁻¹), which is even higher than some results reported for noble metal particles (Au, Ag and Pd). It is suggested that the presence of metal oxide with ‘d⁷’ (Co element) and ‘d⁵’ (Mn element) electronic configurations and the special morphology of CoMn₂O₄ hierarchical microspheres are beneficial to the reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol.