Synthesis and Structural Properties of Ce(OH)3 for Useful Applications

Rare earth compounds are the subject of many recent experimental investigations because of the nature and variety of their physical properties. Cerium oxide (CeO2) was the starting material for the fabrication of nanostructures. Ce(OH)(3) was synthesised and structural characterisation was done. A hydrothermal method was used to prepare the nanostructures. The synthesised samples were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The phase of the material was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction. Two solvents (nitric acid and sulphuric acid) were used to dissolve CeO2. The phase and structural properties were studied as a function of the solvent. The sulphuric acid was found to be a better solvent to achieve the required phase of Ce(OH)(3). Synthesised material has potential application in bio-labelling.