<p>The inert nature of graphitic samples allows for
characterisation of rather isolated supported nanoparticles in model catalysts,
as long as sufficiently large inter-particle distances are obtained. However, the
low surface area of graphite and the little interaction with nanoparticles
result in a challenging application of conventional preparation routes in
practice. In the present study, a set of graphitic carbon materials was characterised
in order to identify potential support materials for the preparation of model
catalyst systems. Various sizes of well-defined Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>
nanoparticles were synthesised separately and supported onto exfoliated graphite
powder, that is graphite after solvent-assisted exfoliation <i>via</i> ultrasonication resulting in thinner
flakes with increased specific surface area. The developed model catalysts are
ideally suited for sintering studies of isolated nano-sized cobaltous particles
as the graphitic support material does not provide distinct metal-support
interaction. Furthermore, the differently sized cobaltous particles in the
various model systems render possible studies on structural dependencies of
activity, selectivity, and deactivation in cobalt oxide or cobalt catalysed
reactions.</p>
