Crystal Sizes and Energy Gaps of Cerium Oxide Using Co-Precipitation Method

Abstract

Co-precipitation was used to prepare cerium oxide nano-particles. The effects of aging temperature and concentration of cobalt ion on the optical property, morphology, and particle size were investigated. The cerium oxide was prepared by adding ammonia solution into a mixed solution of cerium nitrate with cobalt nitrate solutions to obtain a large amount of precipitates and then aged further. Subsequently, the precipitates were kept in an oven for calcination keeping the temperature at 400?C for lasting 24 h. The average size of cerium oxide particles was obtained from the (111) peak in the X-ray diffraction pattern using the Scherrer equation. The crystal sizes obtained were found to be in the range of 11.82 - 13.47 nm. The results showed that the particle size decreased with an increase in the Co ion concentration and decreased with an increase in temperature. The SEM pictures show that the morphology for cerium oxide is granular and/or columnar. It can be seen from UV/Vis absorption spectrum that the maximum absorption peaks were in the range of 334 - 390 nm, depending on the operating conditions. The corresponding energy gaps were observed in the range of 3.18 - 3.71 eV. Subsequently, the Brus equation for the energy gap was discussed. Finally, particle size was correlated with the aging temperature and Co ion concentration.