The present paper describes the synthesis of a higher cobalt oxide system o
btained from a solution technique. Low-temperature cobalt oxide system has
been prepared by the reaction of sodium hydroxide and NaOCl with a cobalt n
itrate aqueous solution. The composition of solid phase obtained under cert
ain conditions is investigated by X-ray, IR, XPS- and atomic absorption spe
ctral analyses, magnetic measurements and chemical analysis. The results ob
tained show that a Co oxide system may be achieved, in which Co ions are ma
inly in the highest oxidation state (+ 4) and in octahedral coordination. T
he proposed method leads to the obtaining of highly active low-temperature
catalysts for oxidation of toxic substances (phenols, alcohols, aldehydes,
CN- and S2-) in an aqueous medium in the absence of gaseous phase oxygen. (
C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.