Fabrication of three-dimensional dendrite-like CeO2 crystallites via simple template-free solution route

Highly uniform three-dimensional dendrite-like CeO2 crystallites were successfully prepared in large quantities with a thermal decomposition of precursor approach applied. The precursor with an average size of 10 μm was prepared in an aqueous solution containing Ce(NO3)3·6H2O, CO(NH2)2 and ammonia at 160 °C with no additional phase. The influence of ammonia on the dendrites formation was discussed. The dendritic pattern of precursor almost remained in the as-prepared product. The optical absorption spectrum indicates that CeO2 dendrites have a direct band gap of 3.52 eV.