Hierarchically structured Co3O4/SiO2 composites by Co nanocrystals transformation

Hierarchical structured mesoporous Co3O4/SiO2 composites have been fabricated by the in-situ transformation of cobalt nanocrystals in the mesoporous silica. The hierarchical porous composites show good structural stability during the thermal treating process and demonstrate high crystallinity after phase transformation. The highly crystalline Co3O4/SiO2 composite has uniform mesopores and exhibits good adsorption ability. This method offers a promising way to the design of hierarchical structured mesoporous materials with highly crystalline framework.