Series of cobalt supported on hydroxyapatite catalysts are synthesised and characterised.
Three types of cobalt species are detected in the prepared catalysts.
The Co catalysts have been successfully tested in the oxidation of 1,2-dichloroethane.
The Co(x)/hydroxyapatite catalysts achieve higher activity compared to bulk Co3O4.
The distribution of Co species plays a decisive role in the activity and selectivity.