Influence of Ni Doping on Oxygen Vacancy-Induced Changes in Structural and Chemical Properties of CeO[sub.2] Nanorods

• Published in: Crystals (Basel) Vol. 14; no. 8
• Main Authors: Zhu, Yuanzheng, Wang, Weixia, Chen, Gejunxiang, Li, Huyi, Zhang, Yuedie, Liu, Chang, Wang, Hao, Cheng, Ping, Chen, Chunguang, Seong, Gimyeong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 01.08.2024
• Subjects: Chemical properties; Methylene blue; China
• ISSN: 2073-4352; 2073-4352
• DOI: 10.3390/cryst14080746

In recent years, cerium dioxide (CeO[sub.2]) has attracted considerable attention owing to its remarkable performance in various applications, including photocatalysis, fuel cells, and catalysis. This study explores the effect of nickel (Ni) doping on the structural, thermal, and chemical properties of CeO[sub.2] nanorods, particularly focusing on oxygen vacancy-related phenomena. Utilizing X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), alterations in crystal structure and peak shifts were observed, indicating successful Ni doping and the formation of Ni[sub.2]O[sub.3] at higher doping levels, likely due to non-equilibrium reactions. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed changes in oxygen release mechanisms, with increasing Ni doping resulting in the release of lattice oxygen at lower temperatures. Raman spectroscopy corroborated these findings by identifying characteristic peaks associated with oxygen vacancies, facilitating the assessment of Ni doping levels. Ni-doped CeO[sub.2] can catalyze the ultrasonic degradation of methylene blue, which has good application prospects for catalytic ultrasonic degradation of organic pollutants. Overall, this study underscores the substantial impact of Ni doping on CeO[sub.2] nanorods, shedding light on tailored catalytic applications through the modulation of oxygen vacancies while preserving the nanorod morphology.