Hydroxide directed routes to synthesize nanosized cubic ceria (CeO2)

Nanoceria is synthesized based on the initial step of pre-conditioning of reactant salts such that an intense exothermic reaction at this stage assists in overcoming the activation energy, thereby facilitating the conversion of the hydroxide to the product oxide. The route is made simplistic by utilizing the heat evolved from the acid–base reaction followed by the action of gamma rays or microwaves for the activation to yield a crystalline nanoproduct. Aging in presence of a strong mineralizer in open atmosphere promotes amorphous product formation as also the use of organic or weak bases. The effect and type of concentration of mineralizer, nature of cerium salt, synthesis time, yield of product as well as calcination have been investigated. The stepwise formation has been evaluated by UV–vis and FT-IR spectroscopy followed by characterization using techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM and TGA.