SYNTHESIS AND CRYSTALLIZATION OF NANO-CERIA PARTICLES BY SOLVOTHERMAL ROUTES

Cerium oxides (CeO2) were synthesized by two steps solvothermal routes. First, a precursor was precipitated using solutions of cerium (III) nitrate and ammonia, and then this precursor was treated via solvothermal techniques in an autoclave. Narrow distribution of CeO2 particle size, between 10 to 15 nm, was achieved in different solvents. Hard agglomerates of nano-CeO2 were mitigated in an ethanol solvent. Most of crystal particles were in the shape of a quadrangle for the precursor. Morphology of CeO2 particles gradually changed after the precursor was treated by solvothermal techniques. There were both quadrangular and symmetrically hexagonal particles at an alkaline pH value. Alternatively, the quadrangular particles disappeared, instead of geometrically unsymmetrical hexagon with decreasing pH to a more acid value. The evolution mechanism of the morphology was discussed. These results have important implications for recognizing and controlling the crystalline shape by solvothermal techniques.