Effect of mesoporous g-C₃N₄ substrate on catalytic oxidation of CO over Co₃O₄

Mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (mpg-CN) was synthesized using Triton X-100, a surfactant containing a hydrophilic polyethylene oxide group and a tert-octyl-phenyl hydrophobic moiety, as a soft template. The obtained mpg-CN was used as a support for Co₃O₄, and this supported catalyst was used for CO oxidation. The effects of the amount of Triton X-100, weight ratio of Co₃O₄ to mpg-CN and calcination temperature on the catalytic performances for CO oxidation of Co₃O₄/mpg-CN composites were systematically studied. It was found that the presence of Triton X-100 not only retarded the polymerization of dicyandiamide, but also affected the microstructure of Co₃O₄. Bubbles formed because of the hydrophobic group of the surfactant Triton X-100 can be act as a soft template for the synthesis of mesoporous g-C₃N₄. The enhanced catalytic activity of Co₃O₄/mpg-CN was attributed to a synergistic effect, enlarged BET surface areas, increased Co³⁺ and lattice oxygen contents, and the porous structure of mpg-CN support. The high stability of 12.5% Co₃O₄/mpg-CN(¹·⁰) makes it a promising catalyst for practical applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V.