Influence of nano-structure on electrolytic properties in CeO2 based system

Doped ceria (CeO₂) compounds are fluorite type oxides that show oxygen ionic conductivity higher than yttria stabilized zirconia, in oxidizing atmosphere. In order to improve the conductivity, the effective index was suggested to maximize the oxygen ionic conductivity in doped CeO₂ based oxides. In addition, the true microstructure of doped CeO₂ was observed at atomic scale for conclusion of conduction mechanism. Doped CeO₂ had small domains (10-50 nm) with ordered structure in a grain. It is found that the electrolytic properties strongly depended on the nano-structural feature at atomic scale in doped CeO₂ electrolyte. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Electron microscopy study of the “cubic” perovskite phase SrFe1−xVxO2.5+x (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.1)

The oxygen-deficient “cubic” perovskite phase SrFe_1−xV_xO_2.5+x (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.10) quenched from 1473 K has been investigated by electron microscopy. Samples show a microdomain structure composed of ordered grains less than 20 nm. Oxygen vacancies form a brownmillerite-type superlattice in each microdomain, while six orientation variants have been observed within a particle; the oxygen vacancies in one domain are stringed along one of the six possible 〈110〉_C directions of the cubic host lattice. The domain size decreases as x or oxygen content increases. Vacancy arragements within the domains observed in high-resolution lattice images indicate that good structural coherence exists between microdomains and that a basic cubic perovskite skeleton is framed throughout a particle; they also suggest that vacancy content decreases in the boundary regions.     

Roles of Oxygen Vacancies of CeO2 and Mn-Doped CeO2 with the Same Morphology in Benzene Catalytic Oxidation

Mn-doped CeO₂ and CeO₂ with the same morphology (nanofiber and nanocube) have been synthesized through hydrothermal method. When applied to benzene oxidation, the catalytic performance of Mn-doped CeO₂ is better than that of CeO₂, due to the difference of the concentration of O vacancy. Compared to CeO₂ with the same morphology, more oxygen vacancies were generated on the surface of Mn-doped CeO₂, due to the replacement of Ce ion with Mn ion. The lattice replacement has been analyzed through XRD, Raman, electron energy loss spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance technology. The formation energies of oxygen vacancy on the different exposed crystal planes such as (110) and (100) for Mn-doped CeO₂ were calculated by the density functional theory (DFT). The results show that the oxygen vacancy is easier to be formed on the (110) plane. Other factors influencing catalytic behavior have also been investigated, indicating that the surface oxygen vacancy plays a crucial role in catalytic reaction.     

Ionic conductivity, structural and thermal properties of pure and Sr doped Y2Ti2O7 pyrochlores for SOFC

In the present study, SrO doped Yttrium titanate pyrochlore was synthesized using solid state reaction technique. The sintering characteristics, crystal structure, thermal and conductivity behavior of doped and undoped pyrochlores have been studied to find their suitability in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). The as-prepared samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform-Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and ac conductivity up to 900 °C. The results are discussed in light of oxygen vacancy formation and structural disordering. Undoped and doped yttrium titanate with SrO (x = 0.1) exhibits single Y₂Ti₂O₇ phase with relative density of 94%. It was observed that further doping of SrO (x = 0.2–0.4) leads to formation of Y₂Ti₂O₇ phase along with SrTiO₃ phase. Excessive SrO (x = 0.4) results in increase in ionic conductivity to 1.50 × 10⁻¹ S cm⁻¹ whereas it impedes the densification process with relative density of 85%.     

Microdomains, Solid Solutions and the "Defect Fluorite" to C-Type Sesquioxide Transition in CeO2-RO1.5 and ZrO2-RO1.5 Systems

Satellite dark field (SDF) imaging is used to show that there is a definite change in symmetry on moving across the two-phase region separating the so-called "defect fluorite" and C-type sesquioxide solid solution regions in (1 - x)CeO₂ · xRO_1.5 and (1 - x )ZrO₂ · xRO_1.5 systems. SDF images of the "defect fluorite" side of the two-phase region are characterized by a microdomain texture on the 100-200 Å scale and the local symmetry within any one of these microdomains is shown to be lower than cubic. Corresponding SDF images of the C-type sesquioxide side of the two-phase region are by contrast homogeneous and consistent with Ia3 space group symmetry. The nature of the local oxygen vacancy distribution on either side of the two-phase region is discussed and a possible model for the "defect fluorite" side of the two-phase region proposed.     

Preparation and characterization of Ce1−xSmxO2−δ (x = 0.1–0.3) as electrolyte material for intermediate temperature SOFC

The effect of Sm doping on CeO₂ for its use as a solid electrolyte material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) has been explored here. Ce_1−xSm_xO_2−δ (x = 0.1–0.3) samples are successfully synthesized by carbonate co-precipitation method. TG–DTA, XRD, Raman, UV–Vis, FT-IR, SEM and ac-impedance are used for structural and electrical characterization. From the XRD patterns, well-crystalline cubic fluorite structured solid solution is confirmed. Lattice parameters increased with increase in Sm³⁺ while the crystallite size decreased. The optical absorption spectra exhibits a red shift for Sm³⁺ doped CeO₂. Raman spectra show an intense peak at 463 cm⁻¹, a characteristic peak for doped ceria. SEM shows cluster like particles. Based on ac-impedance data, the total oxygen ionic conductivity is highest for Ce_0.8Sm_0.2O_2−δ in the temperature range of 473–623 K.     

Sol–gel synthesis and optical behavior of Mg–Ce–O nano-crystallites

The Mg–Ce–O powder are shown to contain periclase-type MgO and/or fluoride-type cerium oxide (CeO₂) depending upon the composition (x) defined by Ce/(Ce + Mg) atomic ratio. Lattice contraction of pariclase phase of MgO (average crystallite size ~8.8 nm) at Ce content of ‘x’ = 0.20 in comparison to pure MgO (crystallite size ~9.5 nm) has been realized due to oxygen vacancy formation. The optical band gap values of CeO₂ varies (3.0–3.2 eV) due to oxygen vacancy formation in CeO₂ phase, crystallite size and/or Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ ratio. Further, the addition of Ce has shown to reduce the physisorption and chemisorption of water significantly as reflected by (1) suppression of related absorption peaks and (2) absence of magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)₂, bands in Fourier transform infrared spectra.     

Phase transition in ceria alumina

Al-doped CeO₂ samples were prepared by conventional solid state reaction. The electrical conductivity of CeO₂ doped with Al₂O₃ has been studied at different temperatures for various molar ratios. The isothermal conductivity increases with dopant concentration due to the vacancy migration phenomenon induced by doping. It has been found that the conductivity increases and shows a jump from 450 to 520°C due to the phase transition of ceria from cubic to orthorhombic type. A slight deflection is seen for 0.5 and 0.6 moles of alumina at about 250°C due to its phase transition from γ to α type. AC impedance measurements proved that the oxide ion conductivity predominantly arises from the grain and grain boundary contribution as two well defined semi-circles are clearly seen. The sample characterization and the study of phase transition changes were done by using X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectral and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. On increasing the concentration of dopant, the transition temperature shifts towards lower side which is confirmed by DSC as well as conductivity measurements.     

Understanding the electrochemical differences of Pt doped and Pt supported over CeO2

Pt supported over CeO₂ (Pt on CeO₂) and Pt doped CeO₂ (Pt in CeO₂) are synthesized using chemical reduction and solution combustion method. In chemical reduction two different reducing agents are used namely; hydrazine hydrate and formaldehyde giving Pt supported over CeO₂. Solution combustion method is used to prepare Pt doped CeO₂. Detailed characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurement and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is carried out to distinguish the Pt supported and doped compounds. XRD and TEM results have clearly shown the differences in the structure and morphology, however, BET results do not show significant differences. Further, electrochemical measurements are performed in neutral medium to differentiate the electrochemical activity. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) indeed shows noticeable differences between Pt supported over CeO₂ and Pt doped CeO₂. CeO₂ alone has also shown different electrochemical behavior compared to the Pt containing CeO₂. Considering oxygen evolution reaction (OER) as a model reaction, Tafel slope measurements are performed for CeO₂, Pt supported over CeO₂ and Pt doped CeO₂ to observe the differences. It was noted that CeO₂ and Pt doped CeO₂ showed similar Tafel slope indicating the same mechanism, while Pt supported over CeO₂ showed different Tafel slopes, hence the different mechanism.     

Effect of yttrium on the formation of nanostructured mesoporous CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Mesoporous CeO₂ and yttrium doped CeO₂ (YDC) were prepared by a sol–gel process and characterized by a variety of techniques. XRD patterns showed that the undoped and doped samples had a cubic fluorite structure. The grain size decreased from 24.8 to 6.1 nm at 500 °C for pure CeO₂ and YDC, respectively. N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms showed that the samples possessed typical mesopore characteristics. The BET specific surface area of the samples increased from 23.04 to 151.49 m²/g for 300 °C calcination after mesoporous CeO₂ was doped with Y. It is found that the introduction of Y can inhibit the grain growth, and the presence of the pores also can be related to this obstacle to grain growth. These results are of great significance for the control of porous microstructure, crystallinity, and applications for the development of nanostructured mesoporous materials.     

Photoluminescence emission behavior on the reduced band gap of Fe doping in CeO2-SiO2 nanocomposite and photophysical properties

Fe/CeO₂-SiO₂ nanocomposite was synthesized via hydrothermal method. Bond length of nanocomposite was determined through FTIR analysis, while Raman analysis showed lattice relaxation of CeO₂ phase in Fe/CeO₂-SiO₂. TEM, XRD and DLS-PSA revealed an increase in size of Fe/CeO₂-SiO₂ as compared to CeO₂-SiO₂ which was attributed to have more oxygen vacancies in CeO₂ after doping of iron. Lattice contraction was also observed in some phases of CeO₂ in Fe/CeO₂-SiO₂ nanocomposite as compared to CeO₂-SiO₂ nanocomposite. This contraction was used for determination of Fe content incorporated in CeO₂ [1 1 1] phase. The band gap values of Fe/CeO₂-SiO₂ nanocomposite were found reduced after doping of Fe by factors of 0.62 and 0.55 eV, respectively. Photoluminescence study of the materials was carried out to study the different type of transitions occurring after absorption of electromagnetic radiation. Photoluminescence intensity at 2.12 eV was found enhanced after doping of Fe due to increased oxygen vacancy. Photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites was studied with the degradation of chlorpyrifos pesticide.     

非晶态ZrO2镶嵌的超细CeO2催化HCl氧化

采用不同方法制备了铈锆复合氧化物催化剂用于催化HCl氧化反应。自发沉积策略制备的CeO₂@ZrO₂催化剂中,超细CeO₂纳米粒子均匀的镶嵌于非晶态ZrO₂中。CeO₂粒子显著的“尺寸效应”使得该催化剂具有更高的Ce³⁺和氧空位浓度,而较高的Ce³⁺和氧空位浓度使得催化剂具有优异的低温氧化还原性能和储释氧能力。催化性能测试表明,CeO₂@ZrO₂催化剂展现出最好的催化活性（1.90 g_Cl2·g_cat^-1·h^-1）,同时CeO₂粒子周围非晶态的ZrO₂阻碍CeO₂的高温烧结,提高了该催化剂的稳定性。     

非晶态ZrO_2镶嵌的超细CeO_2催化HCl氧化

采用不同方法制备了铈锆复合氧化物催化剂用于催化HCl氧化反应。自发沉积策略制备的CeO_2@ZrO_2催化剂中,超细CeO_2纳米粒子均匀的镶嵌于非晶态ZrO_2中。CeO_2粒子显著的"尺寸效应"使得该催化剂具有更高的Ce~(3+)和氧空位浓度,而较高的Ce~(3+)和氧空位浓度使得催化剂具有优异的低温氧化还原性能和储释氧能力。催化性能测试表明,CeO_2@ZrO_2催化剂展现出最好的催化活性(1.90 gCl2·gcat~(-1)·h~(-1)),同时CeO_2粒子周围非晶态的ZrO_2阻碍CeO_2的高温烧结,提高了该催化剂的稳定性。     

High-temperature transport and stability of SrFe1−xNbxO3 − δ

The conductivity is measured in the series of solid solutions SrFe_1 ? xNb_xO_3 ? δ, where x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, within the oxygen partial pressure limits 10^?18–0.5 atm and temperature range 650–950 °C. The contributions to the total conductivity from oxygen ions, electrons and electron holes are obtained based on their different pressure dependences. The doped derivative with x = 0.1 is found to be a singular composition where ion conductivity attains a maximal value while activation energy for ion transport is minimal. This peculiar behavior is attributed to formation of favorable microstructure in the oxide. The deeper doping results in deterioration of ion transport, which is explained by oxygen vacancy filling. It is shown that replacement of iron for niobium favors enhanced thermodynamic stability towards reduction. The oxygen permeability is evaluated from the conductivity data, and it achieves rather high values in the doped derivatives. These oxides can, therefore, be recommended for further evaluation as oxygen separating membrane materials for partial oxidation of natural gas.     

Co3O4/CeO2异质结制备及其在碱性介质中电催化析氧性能

通过简易的两步法制备一系列Co_3O_4/CeO_2异质结。其结构、形貌和微结构分别通过X射线衍射(XRD)、扫描电镜(SEM)和高分辨透射电镜(HRTEM)表征。在碱性介质中,其电催化析氧性能随着Co_3O_4/CeO_2质量比的变化而变化,并有一最佳值。当Co_3O_4和CeO_2质量比为58.5%时,在1.0 mol·L~(-1)KOH溶液中,10 mA·cm~(-2)的电流密度下,过电位为347 mV,Tafel斜率为72.7mV·dec~(-1),并且稳定性良好。此时的过电位低于Co_3O_4(440 mV)、商用RuO_2(359 mV)和CeO_2(570 mV)。X射线光电子能谱(XPS)显示Co_3O_4的部分电子向CeO_2转移。这导致复合材料的导电性提高,CeO_2表面的氧空位浓度和活性氧物种增加。     

Boosting Hydrogen Oxidation Activity of Ni in Alkaline Media through Oxygen‐Vacancy‐Rich CeO2/Ni Heterostructures

The search for highly efficient platinum group metal (PGM)‐free electrocatalysts for the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in alkaline electrolytes remains a great challenge in the development of alkaline exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). Here we report the synthesis of an oxygen‐vacancy‐rich CeO₂/Ni heterostructure and its remarkable HOR performance in alkaline media. Experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate the electron transfer between CeO₂ and Ni could lead to thermoneutral adsorption free energies of H* (ΔG_H*). This, together with the promoted OH* adsorption strength derived from the abundance of oxygen vacancies in the CeO₂ species, contributes to the excellent HOR performance with the exchange current density and mass activity of 0.038 mA cm_Ni^?2 and 12.28 mA mg_Ni^?1, respectively. This presents a new benchmark for PGM‐free alkaline HOR and opens a new avenue toward the rational design of high‐performance PGM‐free electrocatalysts for alkaline HOR.     

Insight into the Morphology-Dependent Catalytic Performance of CuO/CeO2 Produced by Tannic Acid for Efficient Hydrogenation of 4-Nitrophenol

The construction of a heterogeneous nanocatalyst with outstanding catalytic performance via an environmentally benign and cost-effective synthetic category has long been one of the challenges in nanotechnology. Herein, we synthesized highly efficient and low-cost mesoporous morphology-dependent CuO/CeO₂-Rods and CuO/CeO₂-Cubes catalysts by employing a green and multifunctional polyphenolic compound (tannic acid) as the stabilizer and chelating agent for 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction reaction. The CuO/CeO₂-Rods exhibited excellent performance, of which the activity was 3.2 times higher than that of CuO/CeO₂-Cubes. This can be connected with the higher density of oxygen vacancy on CeO₂-Rods (110) than CeO₂-Cubes (100), the oxygen vacancy favors anchoring CuO species on the CeO₂ support, which promotes the strong interaction between finely dispersed CuO and CeO₂-Rods at the interfacial positions and facilitates the electron transfer from BH₄⁻ to 4-NP. The synergistic catalytic mechanism illustrated that 4-NP molecules preferentially adsorbed on the CeO₂, while H₂ from BH₄⁻ dissociated over CuO to form highly active H* species, contributing to achieving efficient hydrogenation of 4-NP. This study is expected to shed light on designing and synthesizing cost-effective and high-performance nanocatalysts through a greener synthetic method for the areas of catalysis, nanomaterial science and engineering, and chemical synthesis.     

Opposite Face Sensitivity of CeO2 in Hydrogenation and Oxidation Catalysis

The determination of structure–performance relationships of ceria in heterogeneous reactions is enabled by the control of the crystal shape and morphology. Whereas the (100) surface, predominantly exposed in nanocubes, is optimal for CO oxidation, the (111) surface, prevalent in conventional polyhedral CeO₂ particles, dominates in C₂H₂ hydrogenation. This result is attributed to the different oxygen vacancy chemistry on these facets. In contrast to oxidations, hydrogenations on CeO₂ are favored over low‐vacancy surfaces owing to the key role of oxygen on the stabilization of reactive intermediates. The catalytic behavior after ageing at high temperature confirms the inverse face sensitivity of the two reaction families.     

Photocatalytic Co-Reduction of N2 and CO2 with CeO2 Catalyst for Urea Synthesis

The effective conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen (N₂) into urea by photocatalytic reaction under mild conditions is considered to be a more environmentally friendly and promising alternative strategies. However, the weak adsorption and activation ability of inert gas on photocatalysts has become the main challenge that hinder the advancement of this technique. Herein, we have successfully established mesoporous CeO_2-x nanorods with adjustable oxygen vacancy concentration by heat treatment in Ar/H₂ (90 % : 10 %) atmosphere, enhancing the targeted adsorption and activation of N₂ and CO₂ by introducing oxygen vacancies. Particularly, CeO₂-500 (CeO₂ nanorods heated treatment at 500 °C) revealed high photocatalytic activity toward the C−N coupling reaction for urea synthesis with a remarkable urea yield rate of 15.5 μg/h. Besides, both aberration corrected transmission electron microscopy (AC-TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were used to research the atomic surface structure of CeO₂-500 at high resolution and to monitor the key intermediate precursors generated. The reaction mechanism of photocatalytic C−N coupling was studied in detail by combining Density Functional Theory (DFT) with specific experiments. We hope this work provides important inspiration and guiding significance towards highly efficient photocatalytic synthesis of urea.     

Preparation and characterization of nanocrystalline Ca-doped CeO2 by sol–gel process

The reactivity of CeO₂ is determined by grain size and oxygen vacancies, which can be achieved by doping elements with less oxidation state into CeO₂. In this study nanocrystalline Ca-doped CeO₂ sol was synthesized from the reaction of hydrate cerium (III) nitrate and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate in alcohol solution after being calcined at 600?°C. X-ray diffraction as well as selected area electron diffraction gave evidence that the synthesized Ca-doped CeO₂ samples were well crystalline and had a cubic fluorite structure. TEM observation revealed that Ca-doped CeO₂ was composed by nanoparticles with grain size around 8?nm. The Raman spectrum of pure CeO₂ consists of a single triple degenerate F_2g model characteristic of the fluorite-like structure. In the Ca-doped CeO₂ sample, two additional low-intensity Raman bands were detected, thus confirming the formation of the solid solution. The synthesized nanometric powder is expected to be used in solid oxide fuel cells as well as in the catalytic treatment of automobile exhaust fumes.