Synthesis and characterization of Co-containing SBA-15 catalysts

Two Co-SBA-15 catalysts were synthesized and characterized by thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, porosity, UV–visible diffuse reflectance and temperature programmed reduction with H2. The first catalyst was prepared synthesizing SBA-15 and then adding Co ions by impregnation (CoimprSBA-15). The second catalyst was prepared using a more complex procedure of immobilization of cobalt ions in the presence of pyridine and H2O2 on –COOH groups anchored to the SBA-15 structure [Co-SBA-15(COOH)]. These COOH groups were created starting from cyano groups introduced during the synthesis of the periodic mesoporous materials as 4-triethoxysilylbutyronitrile.