Preparation of self-assembled cobalt hydroxide nanoflowers and the catalytic decomposition of cyclohexyl hydroperoxide

alpha-Co(OH)(2) hierarchical nanoflowers were synthesized using a microemulsion as a nanoreactor. These structures were self-assembled from cobalt hydroxide nanoflakes and possessed flower-like morphology with a diameter of 200-500 nm. These alpha-Co(OH)(2) nanoflowers exhibited high specific area and porosity and show high activity in the decomposition of cyclohexyl hydroperoxide. 99% conversion and 94% selectivity for K-A oil could be obtained.