CoCe/N-C hybrids constructed via Ce-O-Co solid solution for the deoxygenation of sulfoxide

A series of CeO2-promoted Co-N-C hybrids were prepared by the strategy of solid solution construction, systematically characterized, and applied in the catalytic deoxygenation of sulfoxide with H-2 successfully. According to the research findings, the activity of the hybrids was closely correlated with the content of CeO2, and the Ce-O-Co solid solution observed in the CoCe/N-C hybrids was conducive to the Co species dispersion. Among all the hybrids, the catalyst with the appropriate CeO2 content (CoCe3/N-C) presented satisfactory performance in the above reaction, and attained 99.67% yield of methyl phenyl sulfoxide. Recycling experiments showed that the hybrid exhibited excellent stability and resistance to sulfur poisoning compared with the commercial Pd/C catalyst. Obviously, this work provides a novel strategy for the construction of transition metal and nitrogen co-doped carbon (M-N-C) catalysts with high metal utilization and high stability, while also improving the resistance to sulfur poisoning of metal catalysts.