Sm(2)O(3)/Co(3)O(4) catalysts prepared by dealloying for low-temperature CO oxidation

A series of Co(3)O(4) catalysts modified by Sm were prepared by a combined dealloying and calcination approach, and the catalytic activities were evaluated using CO catalytic oxidation. The Sm(2)O(3)/Co(3)O(4) catalysts were composed of a large number of nanorods and nanosheets, and exhibited a three-dimensional supporting structure with pores. The experimental results revealed that the addition of a small amount of Sm into the precursor AlCo alloy led to a dealloyed sample with improved catalytic activity, and the dealloyed Al(90)Co(9.5)Sm(0.5) ribbons (0.5 Sm(2)O(3)/Co(3)O(4)) calcined at 300 °C showed the highest activity for CO oxidation with complete CO conversion at 135 °C, moreover, CO conversion almost no attenuation, even after 70 hours of catalytic oxidation, which is superior to that of Co(3)O(4). The enhanced catalytic activity of the Sm(2)O(3)/Co(3)O(4) catalyst can be attributed to the large specific surface area, more reactive oxygen species and Co(3+) ion, as well as electronic interactions between Sm and Co.