Strong quantum confinement effect in nanocrystalline cerium oxide

Highly uniform and well-dispersed cerium oxide quantum dots were successfully synthesized by simple precipitation method by using cerium ammonium nitrate and ammonium hydroxide as precursor materials with suitable conditions. The X-ray diffraction pattern indicates the formation of cubic phase CeO2. The average particle size of cerium oxide from high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was found to be 3 nm. The X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectrum confirms the presence of Ce3+ in CeO2. Optical studies by UV–vis spectroscopy for the synthesized CeO2 nanoparticles exhibit a blue shift (Eg = 3.78 eV) with respect to the bulk material (Eg = 3.15 eV) due to quantum confined exciton absorption.

Highly uniform CeO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by simple precipitation method. The controlling parameters are mainly concentration and pH value. Strong quantum confinement was observed from the optical absorption.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Quantum sized CeO2 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by precipitation method.
► CeO2 nanoparticles are highly uniform and well dispersed in Hexane.
► Blue shift in optical studies conclude strong quantum confinement effect.