Anisotropic nanoporous morphology of ZnO-supported Co that enhances catalytic activity

A novel conversion reaction synthesis (CRS) method is used to synthesize ZnO-supported Co nanoporous metal hybrid structures from a co-precipitated nanocomposite precursor of ZnO and Co₃O₄. After removal of Li₂O with water, the resulting material consists of ZnO-supported Co nanoparticles that are interconnected to form anisotropic micro-particles. Additionally, individual ZnO nanoparticles have an anisotropic morphology, as revealed by synchrotron XRD analysis. Microscopy and surface area studies show these materials have an average pore size of 10-30 nm and specific surface areas up to 28 m² g^-1. The hybrid structure also has increased heat resistance compared to that of pure nanoporous metals; the Co phase within the ZnO-Co hybrid exhibits much less coarsening than the analogous nanoporous metal without ZnO at temperatures of 400 °C and above. These ZnO-Co hybrid materials were tested as heterogeneous catalysts for the steam reformation of ethanol at 400 °C. The nanoporous ZnO-Co hybrid material exhibits complete conversion of ethanol and high hydrogen selectivity, producing H₂ with a molar yield of approximately 70%.