Pseudomorphic Generation of Supported Catalysts for Glycerol Oxidation

Abstract A catalyst consisting of copper nanoparticles (15–20 nm in size) supported on ordered mesoporous cobalt monoxide was synthesized by the one‐step reduction of ethanol from nanocast copper cobalt spinel oxides. The small‐angle X‐ray scattering patterns showed that the ordered mesostructure was maintained after post‐treatment, and the cross‐section scanning electron microscopy images showed that the Cu nanoparticles were distributed homogeneously throughout the mesoporous CoO framework. The materials were tested as noble‐metal‐free catalysts for the oxidation of glycerol under alkaline conditions. The catalytic data showed that the presence of Cu nanoparticles greatly enhanced the catalytic performance.