Heterogeneous Co3O4 catalyst for selective oxidation of aqueous veratryl alcohol using molecular oxygen

Abstract: Nano-structured, spinel Co3O4 catalyst was developed for the aqueous phase oxidation of veratryl alcohol, which showed the highest conversion of 85% with 96% selectivity to veratryl aldehyde. The co-existence of Co3+ and Co2+ species in the octahedral and tetrahedral positions respectively, was confirmed by XPS, cyclic voltammogram, TPR and TPO characterization. The rod-like morphology of Co3O4 catalyst was confirmed by HRTEM. The effects of various reaction parameters namely, catalyst concentration, temperature and partial oxygen pressure on conversion and selectivity patterns were also studied for the oxidation of veratryl alcohol. This catalyst also showed an excellent stability as evidenced by successful reusability for three times. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]