Ultrathin hetero-nanosheets of cobalt oxide and nanoclusters for catalytic desulfurization

It is still a big challenge to synthesize well-defined nano-heterostructures by wet chemistry method, as realizing accurate control on each nanocrystal is difficult in solution. In this contribution, the cobalt oxide-phosphomolybdic acid (CoO-PMA) hetero-nanosheets are synthesized by introducing PMA clusters, which have comparable size to the crystal nuclei of CoO. Time-dependent experiments reveal how the nanosheets form: nanoclusters and nuclei first assemble into nanowires and then grow into nanosheets with the assistance of oleylamine. And the results of electrospray ionization ion-trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-TOF-MS) also demonstrate the existence of PMA clusters in the final product. Moreover, in this strategy, both metal oxides and nanoclusters can be extended, leading to a series of ultrathin heterostructures. Finally, the CoO-PMA hetero-nanosheets exhibit excellent property in the oxidation of thioether at room temperature, making it a potential catalyst in desulfurization.