Synthesis and Characterization of the Properties of Ceria Nanoparticles with Tunable Particle Size for the Decomposition of Chlorinated Pesticides

Kryštof Skrbek,Ondřej Jankovský,David Sedmidubský,Michal Lojka,Vilém Bartůněk

doi:10.3390/app10155224

Kryštof Skrbek, Ondřej Jankovský + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/app10155224

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Journal: Applied sciences	Publication Date: Jul 29, 2020
Citations: 4	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Chemistry and Technology

Abstract

Ceria nanoparticles are well known for their catalytic properties, which are commonly used in the automotive industry and other chemical branches. In this contribution, ceria nanoparticles were prepared by a simple precipitation reaction of cerium (IV) sulfate and ammonia. Such nanoparticles were very fine, with an approximate crystallite size of 2 nm. Crystallite sizes of these nanoparticles were adjusted by controlled heating, showing different catalytic properties. After thermal treatment, the surface area and crystallite size of nanoparticles were also compared by means of XRD and a sorption analyzer utilizing Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET). Morphology was studied by SEM, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). Thin layers of ceria nanoparticles on silica glass and alumina ceramic underlays were also prepared and studied by SEM and EDS to demonstrate the possibility of ceria immobilization using thermal treatment of raw nanoparticles. The catalytic activity of the nanoparticles was tested on a 2,4,6-trichlorophenol aqueous solution and compared by UV–VIS spectroscopy.

Highlights

Cerium (IV) dioxide is one of the most common forms of cerium and it has a wide range of uses in applications mostly for its physical and mechanical properties
Ceria nanoparticles are well known for their catalytic properties, which are widely used as an electrolyte material [5], in solid oxide fuel cells [6], in solar cells [7], for fuel
These nanoparticles have a pale yellow color, which is distinctive for nanocrystalline cerium dioxide with a hydrated surface

Summary

Introduction

Cerium (IV) dioxide (ceria) is one of the most common forms of cerium and it has a wide range of uses in applications mostly for its physical and mechanical properties. It is, for example, used as a polishing agent, an additive for heat-resisting alloys and in ceramics [1,2]. Without the presence of ceria, the flame would be practically colorless with minimal luminosity [3]. Another interesting application is its usage as a surrogate material for nuclear fuels [4]. Ceria nanoparticles are well known for their catalytic properties, which are widely used as an electrolyte material [5], in solid oxide fuel cells [6], in solar cells [7], for fuel

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