O/W/O double emulsion-assisted synthesis and catalytic properties of CeO2 hollow microspheres

CeO2 hollow microspheres have been fabricated through a simple thermal decomposition of precursor approach. The precursor with an average size of 10 μm was prepared in a reverse microemulsions containing Ce(NO3)3·6H2O and CO(NH2)2 at 160 °C. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The possible formation mechanism of hollow spheres was discussed. In addition, the CeO2 hollow microspheres modified glassy carbon electrode exhibit excellent sensing performance towards methyl orange, which provide a new application of CeO2 hollow spheres. The catalytic activity of CeO2 hollow spheres on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) also was investigated by TGA. The catalytic performance of CeO2 hollow spheres is superior to that of commercial CeO2 powder.

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