Ceria Fibers Via Electrospinning Process: The Effect of Co-Solvent

Electrospinning is an interesting technique with various potential applications. In this work. CeO2 fiber production was achieved via this technique. The effect of co-solvent (i-propanol and water) was investigated and described. It was found that the surface tension was reduced when the amount of i-propanol was increased and the viscosity was greater when the amount of i-propanol in the co-solvent was higher. The smooth electrospun fibers produced at 50 wt%. of i-propanol were dried for one hour then calcined at 450 degrees C 3 hours. The obtained fibers were continuous with a diameter of 600 nm. They had high specific surface area to volume ratio which is suitable for catalytic applications.