Uniform nanoparticles of Pr(III)/Ceria solid solutions prepared by homogeneous precipitation

Abstract

Uniform nonagglomerated nanoparticles (∼12 nm) with equiaxed shape and high specific surface area (∼100 m 2 g −1), consisting of Pr-doped ceria solid solutions (Pr/Ce mol ratio⩽0.2) have been prepared by aging at 100 °C for 2 h aqueous solutions of cerium (III) nitrate, praseodymium (III) chloride and hexamethylenetetramine. The Pr cations in such solid solutions were trivalent, which induced a unit cell expansion.