The effect of Eu doping on the growth, structure and red-ox activity of ceria nanocubes

Abstract

Ce_1–xEu_xO₂ nanocubes, with maximum Eu content x = 0.4, were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. Application of various experimental techniques (SEM-EDS, STEM-EDS, XPS, ICP-AES) revealed a uniform distribution of Eu and Ce in the nanocubes, but some oxygen depletion near the surface was detected. A model explaining the effect of the Eu doping on the growth of ceria nanocubes by the oriented attachment mechanism is proposed. The oxygen vacancy ordering in high-doped (x ≥ 0.1) ceria nanoparticles was found, and its effect on the reduction of ceria nanocubes is discussed.