A 1-D coordination polymer route to catalytically active Co nanoparticles

Pyrolysis of a 1-D polymeric cobalt(ii) coordination complex ([Co(BDC)(Mim) sub(2)] sub()n H sub(2)BDC = benzenedicarboxylic acid; Mim = N-methylimidazole) results in the formation of carbon embedded fcccobalt nanoparticle composites, Co. The as-prepared Co shows an agglomerated secondary structure with a highly embedded carbon shell comprising of cobalt nanoparticles of 20-100 nm. These Co particles show excellent catalytic activity in the reduction of nitrophenol to aminophenol, studied as a model reaction, and evolves as a promising candidate for the gas phase reduction process.