Organic Acid Anions Modified α-Co(OH)2 with Enhanced Activity for the Decomposition of Cyclohexyl Hydroperoxide

α-Co(OH)2 nanoplatelets with tunable wettability (hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity) and interlayer spacing were designed to catalyze cyclohexyl hydroperoxide (CHHP) decomposition in alkali-free medium. The interlayer spacing and its wettability of α-Co(OH)2 nanoplatelets were adjusted by intercalating with aliphatic acid anions of different chain lengths. SEM, TEM, XRD, FT-IR spectroscopy, and water droplet contact angle measurements were conducted to characterize the catalysts. The structure–activity relationships of aliphatic acid anions intercalated α-Co(OH)2 nanoplatelets in CHHP decomposition were discussed in detail. Expanding interlayer gallery and enhancing the dispersibility of α-Co(OH)2 nanoplatelets in the reaction mixture are effective ways to improve mass transfer process of CHHP decomposition. α-Co(OH)2 nanoplatelets with both high dispersibility and wide interlayer spacing provide a new strategy to improve the catalytic efficiency of CHHP decomposition.