Synthesis and atomic-scale characterization of CeO2 nano-octahedrons

Abstract

We report the synthesis of ceria nano-octahedrons using a simple yet efficient hydrothermal technique free of surfactant and template. A comprehensive microscopic characterization reveals that the nano-octahedrons exposed with eight {111} planes have shape corners and well-defined edges at the nanoscale. Atomic-resolution imaging uncovers that a couple of atomic layers are disappeared at corner, the atomic density of oxygen is reduced at surface, and there occur stacking faults inside the nano-octahedrons, which should have implications for our understanding of catalytic activity of ceria. We also propose a growth mechanism for the nano-octahedrons and provide an explanation to the easy formation of nano-octahedrons with the eight {111} facets.