Chitosan as template for the synthesis of ceria nanoparticles

Cerium oxide (CeO2), nanoparticles were prepared using chitosan as template, cerium nitrate as a starting material and sodium hydroxide as a precipitating agent. The resultant ceria–chitosan spheres were calcined at 350 °C. The synthesized powders were characterized by, XRD, HRTEM, UV–vis, FTIR, and TG-DTA. The average size of the nanoparticles obtained was ∼4 nm and BET specific surface area ∼105 m2 g−1. Blueshifts in the ultraviolet absorption spectra have been observed in cerium oxide nanocrystallites. The band-gap was found to be 4.5 eV. The blueshifts are well explained for diameters down to less than a few nanometers by the change in the electronic band structure.

Graphical abstractCerium oxide nanoparticles with cubic fluorite structure were prepared using chitosan as template, cerium nitrate as a starting material and sodium hydroxide as a precipitating agent. Calcinated powders at 350 °C contain agglomerated particles with average particle size of ∼4 nm, very high porosity and foam-like morphology formed by open and close pores.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Pure CeO2 nanoparticles can take place using chitosan as template. ► A porous material was obtained. ► Blueshifts in the ultraviolet absorption spectra have been observed in cerium oxide nanocrystallites.