A sandwich N-doped graphene/Co3O4 hybrid: an efficient catalyst for selective oxidation of olefins and alcohols

A sandwich-like N-doped graphene/Co3O4 hybrid was prepared via a simple one-pot hydrothermal reaction in a solution of NH3. Characterizations disclosed that highly dispersed Co3O4 nanoparticles with dominant exposed {112} and {110} planes were fabricated on both sides of well-exfoliated N-doped graphene; N-dopants in the graphene matrix can prevent re-graphitization of graphene, strengthen the interaction between Co3O4 and the graphene matrix, and improve the dispersion of Co3O4. This hybrid (Co3O4/RGO-(N)) exhibited superior activity and stability for the epoxidation of styrene compared to bulk Co3O4 and N-free graphene supported Co3O4. At the same time, the resulting catalyst also showed high compatibility with various olefins and alcohols with good conversion and high selectivity. This synergistic strategy can provide simple, efficient and versatile blue-prints for low-cost fabrication of graphene-based nanocomposites for extending applications where graphene has rarely been exploited and beyond.