Synthesis of nanometer-sized ceria particles by alternating current electrolysis of aqueous solution

• Published in: Materials chemistry and physics Vol. 125; no. 1; pp. 102 - 108
• Main Authors: Hirata, Yoshihiro, Hanada, Takaaki, Matsunaga, Naoki, Sameshima, Soichiro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 2011
• Subjects: Alternating current; Cerium oxide; Electrochemical properties; Electrodes; Electrolysis; Electron microscopy; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Nanostructures; Wire; Electron microscopy; Electrochemical properties; Nanostructures
• ISSN: 0254-0584; 1879-3312
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2010.08.078

Ceria particles in an average size range from 8 to 70 nm were synthesized from cerium nitrate solutions by electrolysis at AC 0.1–10 Hz using platinum wire electrodes at 25–80 °C. The produced ceria particles dissolved in low pH solutions (pH 1.1–2.7) at a longer electrolysis time (>12 h), which caused the decrease of particle size. Increase of the concentration of Ce 3+ ions and increase of the electrolysis temperature were effective to enhance the particle yield. Small growth of particles (10–20 nm) was measured when the electrolysis temperature was increased to 60–80 °C. When the applied frequency was increased, the particle size decreased. A theoretical equation of particle size as functions of Ce 3+ ion concentration, electrolysis temperature and applied frequency was derived. The experimental results were in accordance with the prediction from the theoretical model.