Possibilities in the synthesis of Zn-Co oxide catalysts were studied b
y IR spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and thermal analyses, and diffuse
reflection electronic spectroscopy. Upon thermal decomposition of mix
ed zinc-cobalt hydroxide, formation, of the ZnCo2O4 spinel with stoich
iometric composition, which has a ''normal'' distribution Of metal ion
s over crystallographic positions, does not occur.