Elaboration of cerium oxide from polyacrylate-metal complexes

The complexes formed between poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and Ce(III) were studied. Two main complexes are formed depending on the degree of ionization α of PAA (α is defined as the ratio of ionized carboxyl groups over the total number). It is suggested that one of these complexes is a binuclear one. The thermal decomposition of the two complexes gave cerium oxide in the same conditions of temperature. The use of a low-molecular weight PAA sample allowed the formation of CeO2 at low temperature compared to high-molecular weight PAA and model polyacids like oxalic or citric acids. Cerium oxide with fine granulometry and good surface area was obtained.