Co3O4-based catalysts for propane total oxidation: A state-of-the-art minireview

Co3O4-based catalysts are promising systems for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) elimination. In the last few years, significant efforts have been devoted to improving their catalytic activity at low temperatures. This review summarizes recent progress on single, composite, and supported Co3O4 catalysts for the total oxidation of propane, a representative VOC. First, single Co3O4 modification is comprehensively discussed, including optimization of synthesis parameters, structure construction, morphology control, facet engineering, and defect engineering, with the aim of tuning surface-active species. Secondly, the design and construction of composite Co3O4 are presented in detail, which could produce synergetic effects such as electronic, geometric, and interfacial effects that promote catalytic performance. Thirdly, supported Co3O4 systems desirable in industrial applications are introduced. Moreover, the propane total oxidation mechanisms over Co3O4-based catalysts are summarized. Some poisoning effects on propane oxidation over Co3O4-based catalysts are also discussed. Finally, the challenges, opportunities, and future research direction of developing advanced Co3O4-based catalysts are prospected.