Effect of Precursor Solution's pH on the Properties of CeO2 Nanoparticles Prepared by Reflux Method

Abstract

Cerium dioxide (CeO2) nanoparticles have multiple applications such as ultraviolet blocking, catalyst, chemical mechanical polishing etc., and hence has attracted much attention in the recent years. This work focuses on the synthesis of Cerium dioxide nanoparticles at different pH values by Reflux method. Ammonium Ceric Nitrate and Sodium hydroxide were used as starting precursors to prepare cerium dioxide. The synthesized samples were calcinated at 400°C for 1hr. The effect of pH on the morphology, particle size, crystal structure, and thermal properties of the synthesized CeO2 nanoparticles has been studied. The structure of the crystallites and particle size were investigated using powder XRD technique. The FTIR analysis was used to confirm the synthesis of CeO2 nanoparticles. The optical band gap was calculated from the UV-Vis absorption spectra. The Photoluminescence properties of the sample were also studied. The morphology of the samples were analyzed by SEM. The results are reported and discussed.