Tuning, via Counter Anions, the Morphology and Catalytic Activity of CeO2 Prepared under Mild Conditions

► Counter anion induced CeO2 nanorod and nanoflower morphologies were synthesized. ► The samples exhibit morphology dependent physicochemical and optical properties. ► Surface morphologies of CeO2 influence the redox property, OSC and surface acidity. ► Soot oxidation is rapid on CeO2 nanorods as compared to CeO2 nanoflowers.