Synthesis and high catalytic activity of mesoporous Co3O4 nanowires for carbon monoxide oxidation

Mesoporous Co3O4 nanowires were synthesized through a thermal decomposition process of an intermediate product. These nanowires have diameters of 20-35 nm and lengths ranging from 3 to 5 mu m. They possess mesoporous structure with pore size of about 5.72 nm and relative high surface area of ca.66.6 m(2)/g. These nanowires exhibit high catalytic activity in conversion process of CO to CO2. A possible mechanism is suggested for CO oxidation over the Co3O4 product. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.