Surface-dependent oxidation of H2 on CeO2 surfaces

► Ceria nanoparticles with well-defined shapes were synthesized. ► Transmission microscopy micrographs allow the resolving of the surface states. ► Reducibility of ceria nanoparticles was studied by temperature-programmed reduction. ► Ceria nanoparticles exposing (1 0 0) surfaces exhibit higher activity for hydrogen oxidation.