Sm2O3/Co3O4 catalysts prepared by dealloying for low-temperature CO oxidation

A series of Co3O4 catalysts modified by Sm were prepared by a combined dealloying and calcination approach, and the catalytic activities were evaluated using CO catalytic oxidation. The Sm2O3/Co3O4 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 Al90Co9.5Sm0.5 ribbons (0.5 Sm2O3/Co3O4) calcined at 300 degrees C showed the highest activity for CO oxidation with complete CO conversion at 135 degrees C, moreover, CO conversion almost no attenuation, even after 70 hours of catalytic oxidation, which is superior to that of Co3O4. The enhanced catalytic activity of the Sm2O3/Co3O4 catalyst can be attributed to the large specific surface area, more reactive oxygen species and Co3+ ion, as well as electronic interactions between Sm and Co.