Highly Dispersed Ce x Zr1−x O2 Nano-Oxides Over Alumina, Silica and Titania Supports for Catalytic Applications

We have been exploring the utilization of supported ceria and ceria–zirconia nano-oxides for different catalytic applications. In this comprehensive investigation, a series of Ce _x Zr_1−x O₂/Al₂O₃, Ce _x Zr_1−x O₂/SiO₂ and Ce _x Zr_1−x O₂/TiO₂ composite oxide catalysts were synthesized and subjected to thermal treatments from 773 to 1073 K to examine the influence of support on thermal stability, textural properties and catalytic activity of the ceria–zirconia solid solutions. The physicochemical characterization studies were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (RS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM), thermogravimetry and BET surface area methods. To evaluate the catalytic properties, oxygen storage/release capacity (OSC) and CO oxidation activity measurements were carried out. The XRD analyses revealed the formation of Ce_0.75Zr_0.25O₂, Ce_0.6Zr_0.4O₂, Ce_0.16Zr_0.84O₂ and Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ phases depending on the nature of support and calcination temperature employed. Raman spectroscopy measurements in corroboration with XRD results suggested enrichment of zirconium in the Ce _x Zr_1−x O₂ solid solutions with increasing calcination temperature thereby resulting in the formation of oxygen vacancies, lattice defects and oxygen ion displacement from the ideal cubic lattice positions. The HREM results indicated a well-dispersed cubic Ce _x Zr_1−x O₂ phase of the size around 5 nm over all supports at 773 K and there was no appreciable increase in the size after treatment at 1073 K. The XPS studies revealed the presence of cerium in both Ce⁴⁺ and Ce³⁺ oxidation states in different proportions depending on the nature of support and the treatment temperature applied. All characterization techniques indicated absence of pure ZrO₂ and crystalline inactive phases between Ce–Al, Ce–Si and Ce–Ti oxides. Among the three supports employed, silica was found to stabilize more effectively the nanosized Ce _x Zr_1−x O₂ oxides by retarding the sintering phenomenon during high temperature treatments, followed by alumina and titania. Interestingly, the alumina supported samples exhibited highest OSC and CO oxidation activity followed by titania and silica. Details of these findings are consolidated in this review.     

Methanol conversion over CuO supported on CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>: An in situ IR spectroscopic study

The main reactions yielding hydrogen are the recombination of hydrogen atoms on copper clusters and methyl formate decomposition. Methyl formate results from the interaction between the linear methoxy group and the formate complex located on CuO. The source of CO₂ appearing in the gas phase is the formate complex, and the source of CO is methyl formate. The rates of methoxy group conversion and product formation over supports (ZrO₂, CeO₂, Ce_0.8Zr_0.2O₂) and copper-containing catalysts (5%Cu/CeO₂, 5%Cu/ZrO₂, 2%Cu/Ce_0.8Zr_0.2O₂, 2%Cu/Ce_0.1Y_0.1Zr_0.8) are compared. The dominant process in methoxy group conversion over the supports and copper-containing catalysts is methanol decomposition to H₂ and CO and to H₂ and CO₂, respectively. The methoxy group conversion rate is proportional to the H₂ and CO₂ formation rate and is determined by the concentration of supported copper.     

Ce0.5Zr0.5O2修饰的Ni/SiC、Fe/SiC和Co/SiC催化燃烧甲烷性能

以铈锆固溶体（Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂）修饰的高比表面积SiC为载体,采用两步浸渍法制备了Ni、Fe和Co基催化剂,研究了其在煤层气催化燃烧脱氧中的催化活性和稳定性. 利用X射线衍射（XRD）、X射线光电子能谱（XPS）、电感耦合等离子体质谱（ICP-MS）、高分辨透射电子显微镜（HRTEM）、比表面积（BET）、热重分析（TGA）和H₂程序升温还原（H₂-TPR）对催化剂进行了表征. 分析结果表明,Ni、Fe和Co部分进入Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂固溶体晶格内部,导致催化剂体相形成更多的缺陷;同时Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂固溶体有助于加速金属氧化物和金属之间氧化还原过程的进行,促进了氧吸附、传输和对甲烷的活化. 另外,SiC和Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂固熔体良好的抗积碳性能,有效避免了催化剂在富甲烷反应气氛中因积碳而失活,从而使三种催化剂均具有优良的催化燃烧脱氧活性和稳定性. 其中,Co/Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂/SiC活性最高,可在320 ℃活化催化甲烷,并在410 ℃实现完全脱氧.     

Synthesis characterization and catalytic evaluation of Ni/ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> aerogels catalysts

The Ni/ZrO₂/SiO₂ aerogels catalysts were synthesized via three different routes: (i) impregnation ZrO₂–SiO₂ composite aerogels with a aqueous solution of Ni(NO₃)₂, (ii) impregnation SiO₂ aerogels with a mixed aqueous solution of Ni(NO₃)₂ and ZrO(NO₃)₂ · 2H₂O, (iii) one-pot sol–gel procedure from precursors Ni(NO₃)₂/ZrO(NO₃)₂ · 2H₂O/Si(OC₂H₅)₄. These catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), ammonia temperature-programmed desorption (NH₃-TPD), N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The Liquid-phase hydrogenation of maleic anhydride (MA) was performed over these catalysts. The results revealed that the different preparation routes result in a difference between the obtained samples, concerning the crystal structure and composition, surface acidity, mixed level of each component, texture, and catalytic selectivity.     

Effect of the nanoparticle size of supported copper-containing catalysts on their activity in the selective oxidation of CO in an excess of H<Subscript>2</Subscript>

The catalytic properties of systems prepared by the supporting of CuO onto CeO₂, ZrO₂, and Zr_0.5Ce_0.5O₂ with particle sizes of 15–25 nm (nitrate pyrolysis (p)) and 5–6 nm (microemulsion method (me)) in the reaction of CO oxidation in an excess of H₂ were studied. In the latter case, the supports had an almost homogeneous surface and a small number of defects. The catalytic activity of (me) and (p) supports was low and almost the same, whereas the catalytic activity of CuO/(CeO₂, ZrO₂, and Zr_0.5Ce_0.5O₂)(me) samples was lower than that of CuO/(CeO₂ and ZrO₂)(p). The maximum CO conversion (∼100% at 125°C) was observed on 5% CuO/CeO₂ (p). The CO and CO₂ adsorption species on (p) and (me) catalysts were studied by TPD. Differences in the compositions of copper-containing centers on the surfaces of (p) and (me) systems were found using TPR. The nature of the active centers of CO oxidation and the effect of support crystallite size on the catalytic activity were considered.     

Ammonia gas sensor based on a spinel semiconductor,Co<Subscript>0.8</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>0.2</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanomaterial

Thick film of nanocrystalline Co_0.8Ni_0.2Fe₂O₄ was obtained by sol–gel citrate method for gas sensing application. The synthesized powder was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy. The XRD pattern shows spinel type structure of Co_0.8Ni_0.2Fe₂O₄. XRD of Co_0.8Ni_0.2Fe₂O₄ revels formation of solid solution with average grain size of about 30 nm. From gas sensing properties it observed that nickel doping improves the sensor response and selectivity towards ammonia gas and very low response to LPG, CO, and H₂S at 280 °C. Furthermore, incorporation of Pd improves the sensor response and stability of ammonia gas and reduced the operating temperature upto 210 °C. The sensor is a promising candidate for practical detector of ammonia.     

Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane over Ni Catalysts Supported on Al2O3 Modified with La2O3, MgO, and CaO

The preparation of synthesis gas from carbon dioxide reforming of methane (CDR) has attracted increasing attention. The present review mainly focuses on CDR to produce synthesis gas over Ni/MO_x/Al₂O₃ (X = La, Mg, Ca) catalysts. From the examination of various supported nickel catalysts, the promotional effects of La₂O₃, MgO, and CaO have been found. The addition of promoters to Al₂O₃-supported nickel catalysts enhances the catalytic activity as well as stability. The catalytic performance is strongly dependent on the loading amount of promoters. For example, the highest CH₄ and CO₂ conversion were obtained when the ratios of metal M to Al were in the range of 0.04–0.06. In the case of Ni/La₂O₃/Al₂O₃ catalyst, the highest CH₄ conversion (96%) and CO₂ conversion (97%) was achieved with the catalyst (La/Al = 0.05 (atom/atom)). For Ni/CaO/Al₂O₃ catalyst, the catalyst with Ca/Al = 0.04 (atom/atom) exhibited the highest CH₄ conversion (91%) and CO₂ conversion (92%) among the catalysts with various CaO content. Also, Ni/MgO/Al₂O₃ catalyst with Mg/Al = 0.06 (atom/atom) showed the highest CH₄ conversion (89%) and CO₂ conversion (90%) among the catalysts with various Mg/Al ratios. Thus it is most likely that the optimal ratios of M to Al for the highest activities of the catalysts are related to the highly dispersed metal species. In addition, the improved catalytic performance of Al₂O₃-supported nickel catalysts promoted with metal oxides is due to the strong interaction between Ni and metal oxide, the stabilization of metal oxide on Al₂O₃ and the basic property of metal oxide to prevent carbon formation.     

Structure and surface properties of ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>, CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript>, and Zr<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Ce<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> prepared by a microemulsion method according to X-ray diffraction,TPR, and EPR data

It was established by X-ray diffraction, TPR, and EPR that microemulsion (m.e.) synthesis yields the binary oxides ZrO₂(m.e.) and CeO₂(m.e.) and the mixed oxide Zr_0.5Ce_0.5O₂(m.e.) in the form of a tetragonal, cubic, and pseudocubic phase, respectively, having crystallite sizes of 5–6 nm. The bond energy of surface oxygen in the (m.e.) samples is lower than in their analogues prepared by pyrolysis. Hydrogen oxidation on the oxides under study occurs at higher temperatures than CO oxidation. ZrO₂(m.e.) and CeO₂(m.e.) are active in O₂⁻ formation during NO + O₂ adsorption, while CeO₂ is active during CO + O₂ adsorption, too. However, its amount here is one-half to one-third its amount in the pyrolysis-prepared samples, signifying a reduced number of active sites, which are Zr⁴⁺ and Ce⁴⁺ coordinatively unsaturated cations and Me⁴⁺-O²⁻ pairs. O₂⁻ radical anions are stabilized in the coordination sphere of Zr⁴⁺ coordinatively unsaturated cations via ionic bonding, and in the sphere of Ce⁴⁺ cations, via covalent bonding. Ionic bonds are stronger than ionic-covalent bonds and do not depend on the ZrO₂ phase composition. Zr_0.5Ce_0.5O₂ is inactive in these reactions because of the strong interaction of Zr and Ce cations. It is suggested that Ce^{(4 + β)+} coordinatively unsaturated cations exist on its surface, and their acid strength is lower than that of Zr⁴⁺ and Ce⁴⁺ cations in ZrO₂ and CeO₂, according to the order ZrO₂ > CeO₂ ≥ Zr_0.5Ce_0.5O₂. Neither TPR nor adsorption of probe molecules revealed Zr cations on the surface of the mixed oxide.     

Effect of composition changes on properties and defect structure of crystalline Sm-doped ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Polymorphous structure, electrical conductivity, absorption coefficient, refractive index, and mechanical characteristics of crystalline system ZrO₂ + x Sm₂O₃ (x = 4–43 mol %) is investigated. Vickers microhardness is investigated by the well-known quasi-static indentation method. Plastic microhardness and the effective elastic modulus are studied by the depth-sensing indentation technique. Special attention is devoted to the ordered defect fluorite structure, pyrochlore phase Sm₂Zr₂O₇, observed for x = 43 mol %. Potential applications of the investigated system are discussed. Published in Russian in Elektrokhimiya, 2007, Vol. 43, No. 4, pp. 402–411. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Hydrogen Production by Steam Reforming of Ethanol Over Mesoporous Ni–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Catalysts

This review paper reports the recent progress concerning the application of nickel–alumina–zirconia based catalysts to the ethanol steam reforming for hydrogen production. Several series of mesoporous nickel–alumina–zirconia based catalysts were prepared by an epoxide-initiated sol–gel method. The first series comprised Ni–Al₂O₃–ZrO₂ xerogel catalysts with diverse Zr/Al molar ratios. Chemical species maintained a well-dispersed state, while catalyst acidity decreased with increasing Zr/Al molar ratio. An optimal amount of Zr (Zr/Al molar ratio of 0.2) was required to achieve the highest hydrogen yield. In the second series, Ni–Al₂O₃–ZrO₂ xerogel catalysts with different Ni content were examined. Reducibility and nickel surface area of the catalysts could be modulated by changing nickel content. Ni–Al₂O₃–ZrO₂ catalyst with 15 wt% of nickel content showed the highest nickel surface area and the best catalytic performance. In the catalysts where copper was introduced as an additive (Cu–Ni–Al₂O₃–ZrO₂), it was found that nickel dispersion, nickel surface area, and ethanol adsorption capacity were enhanced at an appropriate amount of copper introduction, leading to a promising catalytic activity. Ni–Sr–Al₂O₃–ZrO₂ catalysts prepared by changing drying method were tested as well. Textural properties of Ni–Sr–Al₂O₃–ZrO₂ aerogel catalyst produced from supercritical drying were enhanced when compared to those of xerogel catalyst produced from conventional drying. Nickel dispersion and nickel surface area were higher on Ni–Sr–Al₂O₃–ZrO₂ aerogel catalyst, which led to higher hydrogen yield and catalyst stability over Ni–Sr–Al₂O₃–ZrO₂ aerogel catalyst.     

Selective catalytic reduction of NO with CO on Pt/W–Ce–Zr catalysts

Various Pt catalysts (Pt/ZrO₂, Pt/CeO₂, Pt/CeZrO, Pt/WO₃/ZrO₂ and Pt/WO₃/CeZrO) were prepared and characterized, and their catalytic reduction reactions of NO by CO, with or without the presence of excess oxygen, were investigated. The results of temperature-programmed experiments showed that CO could be easily oxidized over Pt/CeO₂ and Pt/CeZrO while the introduction of WO₃ into the catalyst (Pt/WO₃/CeZrO) inhibited the reduction of catalyst surface; NO could not dissociate over those catalysts in oxidized state but after CO reduction at a low temperature, NO dissociation took place only over Pt/CeO₂ and Pt/CeZrO catalysts. For NO + CO reaction, those easily reduced catalysts Pt/CeO₂ and Pt/CeZrO exhibited better catalytic performances, and NO could be rapidly converted below 350 °C. For the reaction with the presence of excess O₂, the NO conversions were significantly inhibited, but better NO conversions were obtained over the tungstate-contained catalysts when compared with Pt/CeO₂ and Pt/CeZrO. The higher activities of Pt/W–Ce–Zr catalysts were attributed to their high acidities.     

Effect of the alkoxides addition order on the properties of Pd/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript> catalysts used for methane combustion

A series of Pd/Al₂O₃–ZrO₂ catalysts were prepared to be used in methane oxidation. The effect of the addition order of metal alkoxides on the texture, structure and catalytic properties of the solids is studied. The control of the preparation parameters is achieved via sol gel way as an attractive route of the preparation of these catalysts. N₂ physisorption, XRD, Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) and H₂ chemisorption are the main techniques used to characterize the prepared Pd/Al₂O₃–ZrO₂ catalysts. Textural analysis reveals the mesoporosity of all the catalysts independently of the addition order of alkoxides while surface area is more pronounced when the aluminium alkoxide is added before or with the zirconium precursor. XRD patterns show the development of the zirconia tetragonal phase for all the catalysts. Better metallic dispersion is obtained when aluminium alkoxide is added first which can be justified by the high homogeneity observed on the corresponding catalyst as revealed by SEM technique.     

Effect of Transition Metals (Cu, Co and Fe) on the Autothermal Reforming of Methane over Ni/Ce0.2Zr0.1Al0.7Oδ Catalyst

The transition metals (Cu, Co, and Fe) were applied to modify Ni/Ce0.2Zr0.1 Al0.7Oδcatalyst. The effects of transition metals on the catalytic properties of Ni/Ce0.2Zr0.1 Al0.7Oδautothermal reforming of methane were investigated. The Ni-supported catalysts were characterized by XRD, TPR and XPS. Tests in autothermal reforming of methane to hydrogen showed that the addition of transition metals (Cu and Co) significantly increased the activity of catalyst under the conditions of lower reaction temperature, and Ni/Cu0.05Ce0.2Zr0.1Al0.65Oδwas found to have the highest conversion of CH4 among all catalysts in the operation temperatures ranging from 923 K to 1023 K. TPR, XRD and XPS measurements indicated that the cubic phases of CexZr1-xO2 solid solution were formed in the preparation process of catalysts. Strong interaction was found to exist between NiO and CexZr1-xO2 solid solution. The addition of Cu improved the dispersion of NiO, inhibited the formation of NiAl2O4, and thus significantly promoted the activity of the catalyst Ni/Cu0.05Ce0.2Zr0.1Al0.65Oδ.     

Synthesis of ceria–zirconia mixed oxide from cerium and zirconium glycolates via sol–gel process and its reduction property

Ceria–zirconia mixed oxide was successfully synthesized via the sol–gel process at ambient temperature, followed by calcination at 500, 700 and 900 °C. The synthesis parameters, such as alkoxide concentration, aging time and heating temperature, were studied to obtain the most uniform and remarkably high‐surface‐area cubic‐phase mixed oxides. The thermal stability of both oxides was enhanced by mutual substitution. Surface areas of the Ce_xZr_1?xO₂ powders were improved by increasing ceria content, and their thermal stability was increased by the incorporation of ZrO₂. The most stable cubic‐phase solid solutions were obtained in the Ce range above 50 mol%. The highest surface area was obtained from the mixed catalyst containing a ceria content of 90 mol% (200 m²/g). Temperature programmed reduction results show that increasing the amount of Zr in the mixed oxides results in a decrease in the reduction temperature, and that the splitting of the support reduction process into two peaks depends on CeO₂ content. The CO oxidation activity of samples was found to be related to its composition. The activity of catalysts for this reaction decreased with a decrease in Zr amount in cubic phase catalysts. Ce₆Zr₄O₂ exhibited the highest activity for CO oxidation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Chemical solution processing and characterization of Ba(Zr,Ti)O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/LaNiO<Subscript>3</Subscript> layered thin films

Ba(Zr,Ti)O₃/LaNiO₃ layered thin films have been synthesized by chemical solution deposition (CSD) using metal-organic precursor solutions. Ba(Zr,Ti)O₃ thin films with smooth surface morphology and excellent dielectric properties were prepared on Pt/TiO _x /SiO₂/Si substrates by controlling the Zr/Ti ratios in Ba(Zr,Ti)O₃. Chemically derived LaNiO₃ thin films crystallized into the perovskite single phase and their conductivity was sufficiently high as a thin-film electrode. Ba(Zr,Ti)O₃/LaNiO₃ layered thin films of single phase perovskite were fabricated on SiO₂/Si and fused silica substrates. The dielectric constant of a Ba(Zr_0.2Ti_0.8)O₃ thin film prepared at 700°C on a LaNiO₃/fused silica substrate was found to be approximately 830 with a dielectric loss of 5% at 1 kHz and room temperature. Although the Ba(Zr_0.2Ti_0.8)O₃ thin film on the LaNiO₃/fused silica substrate showed a smaller dielectric constant than the Ba(Zr_0.2Ti_0.8)O₃ thin film on Pt/TiO _x /SiO₂/Si, small temperature dependence of dielectric constant was achieved over a wide temperature range. Furthermore, the fabrication of the Ba(Zr,Ti)O₃/LaNiO₃ films in alternate thin layers similar to a multilayer capacitor structure was performed by the same solution deposition process.     

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of Ca-doped LiNi<Subscript>0.8</Subscript>Co<Subscript>0.2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> cathode material for lithium ion battery

LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂ and Ca-doped LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂ cathode materials have been synthesized via a rheological phase reaction method. X-ray diffraction studies show that the Ca-doped material, and also the discharged electrode, maintains a hexagonal structure even when cycled in the range of 3.0–4.35 V (vs Li⁺/Li) after 100 cycles. Electrochemical tests show that Ca doping significantly improves the reversible capacity and cyclability. The improvement is attributed to the formation of defects caused by the partial occupancy of Ca²⁺ ions in lithium lattice sites, which reduce the resistance and thus improve the electrochemical properties.     

Effect of ceria loading on the carbon formation during low temperature methane steam reforming over a Ni/CeO2/ZrO2 catalyst

The characterization and catalytic activity of a Ni/CeO₂/ZrO₂ catalyst for methane steam reforming at 600°C were investigated. The addition of ceria increased the surface area and basicity of the catalysts. The redox reaction capability of the ceria increased the hydrogen yield and carbon monoxide selectivity, and inhibited carbon formation.     

Oxidative conversion of methane and methanol on M/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/cordierite structured metal oxide catalysts (m = Ni,Cu, Zn)

A study was carried out on the properties of Ni/Al₂O₃ and Cu-ZnO/Al₂O₃ composites supported on ceramic honeycomb monoliths made from synthetic cordierite in the carbon dioxide conversion of methane and the partial oxidation of methanol. The structured nickel-alumina catalysts are significantly more efficient than the conventional granulated catalysts. The improved working stability of these catalysts was achieved by adjusting the acid-base properties of the surface by introducing sodium and potassium oxides, which leads to inhibition of surface carbonization. The hydrogen yield was close to 90% in the partial oxidation of methanol with a stoichiometric reagent ratio in the presence of the Cu-ZnO/Al₂O₃/cordierite catalyst. A synergistic effect was found, reducing the selectivity of CO formation in the presence of the Cu-ZnO catalyst relative to samples derived from the individual components Cu and ZnO. __________ Translated from Teoreticheskaya i éksperimental’naya Khimiya, Vol. 43, No. 5, pp. 299–306, September–October, 2007.     

Caracterisation De Catalyseurs ZrxCe1–xO2 et Etude De Leur Reactivite Dans L'Oxydation Des Suies Par ATD/ATG

Thermal analysis has been used to investigate the crystallization of Zr_xCe_1-xO₂ mixed oxides, prepared by co-precipitation of corresponding hydroxides. For x≤0.5, small crystals of CeO₂, were formed at low temperatures (373 K). For x>0.5an exothermic peak at 420°C (693 K) was observed after calcination under a flow of air ofhydroxide samples. This peak was associated with the formation of a Zr_xCe_1-xO₂ solid solution (XRD) in a tetragonal phase (Raman). The solids calcined at 700°C (973 K) present a reactivity towards the carbon black oxidation. The thermal analysis coupled with a gas chromatograph (GC) were used to follow this reactivity. Simultaneous study of the activity (thermal analysis) and the selectivity (GC) in CO or CO₂ of the different catalysts revealed an important parameter: acatalyst-soot particle contact. We also obtained a more precise comparison of Zr_xCe_1-xO₂ oxides in the catalytic soot combustion. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Nanosized CeO2–SiO2, CeO2–TiO2, and CeO2–ZrO2 Mixed Oxides: Influence of Supporting Oxide on Thermal Stability and Oxygen Storage Properties of Ceria

The influence of SiO₂, TiO₂, and ZrO₂ on the structural and redox properties of CeO₂ were systematically investigated by various techniques namely, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (RS), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM), BET surface area, and thermogravimetry methods. The effect of supporting oxides on the crystal modification of ceria was also mainly focused. The investigated oxides were obtained by soft chemical routes with ultrahigh dilute solutions and were subjected to thermal treatments from 773 to 1073 K. The XRD results suggest that the CeO₂–SiO₂ sample primarily consists of nanocrystalline CeO₂ on the amorphous SiO₂ surface. Both crystalline CeO₂ and TiO₂-anatase phases were noted in the case of CeO₂–TiO₂ sample. Formation of cubic Ce_0.75Zr_0.25O₂ and Ce_0.6Zr_0.4O₂ (at 1073 K) were observed in the case of CeO₂–ZrO₂ sample. The cell ‘a’ parameter estimations revealed an expansion of the ceria lattice in the case of CeO₂–TiO₂, while a contraction is noted in the case of CeO₂–ZrO₂. The DRS studies suggest that the supporting oxides significantly influence the band gap energy of CeO₂. Raman measurements disclose the presence of oxygen vacancies, lattice defects, and displacement of oxide ions from their normal lattice positions in the case of CeO₂–TiO₂ and CeO₂–ZrO₂ samples. The XPS studies revealed the presence of silica, titania, and zirconia in their highest oxidation states, Si(IV), Ti(IV), and Zr(IV) at the surface of the materials. Cerium is present in both Ce⁴⁺ and Ce³⁺ oxidation states. The HREM results reveal well-dispersed CeO₂ nanocrystals over the amorphous SiO₂ matrix in the case of CeO₂–SiO₂, isolated CeO₂ and TiO₂ (A) nanocrystals and some overlapping regions in the case of CeO₂–TiO₂, and nanosized CeO₂ and Ce–Zr oxides in the case of CeO₂–ZrO₂ sample. The exact structural features of these crystals as determined by digital diffraction analysis of HREM experimental images reveal that the CeO₂ is mainly in cubic fluorite geometry. The oxygen storage capacity (OSC) as determined by thermogravimetry reveals that the OSC of mixed oxides is more than that of pure CeO₂ and the CeO₂–ZrO₂ exhibits highest OSC.