In this study, synthesis of mesoporous Co3O4 by an inverse micelle template self-assembly method was carried out and its catalytic activity for selective alkene epoxidation was investigated. The chemical properties and the morphology of the material were identified by powder X-ray diffraction, nitrogen sorption studies, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The material exhibits flower like nanoparticle aggregates, which packed closely to form a mesoporous network via connected interparticle voids. Catalyst material was calcined at different temperatures and particle size expansion was observed with heat treatment (250 °C – 450 °C), which strongly correlates with surface area. Surface area decreased with increasing the calcination temperature whereas the pore diameter increased. A mixed phase containing cobalt acetate along with Co3O4 was observed after heat treatment at 150 °C, and further heat treatment at 250 °C gave pure spinel Co3O4 crystal structure. Co-250, which has the highest surface area along with highest oxygen vacancies, gave the best performance in alkene epoxidation. Liquid phase batch mode reactions were carried out under atmospheric pressure and aerobic conditions, in the absence of any additives, and the reaction conditions (solvent, temperature, catalyst loading) were optimized. The catalyst was found to be efficient in selective oxidation of alkenes to epoxides with a broad substrate scope and achieved &gt;99% conversion with high selectivity (93%) within four hours.

Mesoporous cobalt oxide with controlled porosity: Efficient catalyst for peroxide free alkene epoxidation under aerobic conditions

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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