Synthesis of novel 2D ceria nanoflakes with enhanced catalytic activity induced by cobalt doping

Two-dimensional (2D) ceria nanoflakes with a thickness of ∼2 nm were successfully synthesized by cobalt doping via a one-step hydrothermal method. SEM, TEM, AFM, XRD and FT-IR were employed to reveal the morphologies and structures of the products. The results showed that the introduction of Co dopants was critical for the formation of unique 2D nanoflakes structure in this system and it is believed that nanoflakes were formed through a Co induced 2D self-assemble of small ceria nanocrystals based on the oriented attachment. In addition, the nanoflakes Co-CeO2 showed high catalytic activity for mercury oxidation due to the abundant oxygen defects, which was confirmed by the oxygen temperature-programmed desorption (O2-TPD) and Photoluminescence (PL) spectra. This work has provided new strategy of design and preparation of ceria nanomaterials with high catalytic activity.