Hydrothermal synthesis of ceria hybrid architectures of nano-rods and nano-octahedrons

We report the synthesis of three kinds of hybrid architectures with two different types of ceria nanoparticles, the nano-rods and nano-octahedrons, within one step via a facile yet efficient hydrothermal process. We demonstrate that morphology of the synthesized CeO2 nanomaterials can be manipulated via tuning the type and concentration of the mineralizer. The synthesis mechanism and chemical evolution of the harvested nanomaterials are also discussed in light of the role played by the mineralizer. Such a simple method to synthesize the functional nano-crystallites with tunable morphology by tailoring the concentration of mineralizer alone should be applicable to other types of nanomaterials and significant for a wide range of applications.

► A facile method was used to fabricate hybrid architectures. ► The method is surfactant and template free. ► The systems show morphology of CeO2 nano-rods mixed with nano-octahedrons. ► The simple approach is applicable to other types of nanomaterials.