Preparation of self-assembled cobalt hydroxide nanoflowers and the catalytic decomposition of cyclohexyl hydroperoxide

α-Co(OH)2 hierarchical nanoflowers were synthesized using a microemulsion as a nanoreactor. These structures were self-assembled from cobalt hydroxide nanoflakes and possessed flowerlike morphology with a diameter of 200–500 nm. These α-Co(OH)2 nanoflowers exhibited high specific area and porosity and show high activity in the decomposition of cyclohexyl hydroperoxide. 99% conversion and 94% selectivity for K–A oil could be obtained.