SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CERIUM OXIDE NANOPARTICLES VIA PRECIPITATION–CALCINATION METHOD

Abstract

Cerium is classified as a rare earth element suitable in many industrial applications. Cerium oxide (CeO₂), in particular has been widely used as catalysts in the petrochemical industries.  Recently, CeO₂ has been investigated for its potential in sensor technology application, especially in biosensing. In this study, nanoporous CeO₂ was successfully synthesized through a precipitation -calcination route using cerium (IV) sulfate hydrate as a precursor. The synthesis involved pH-controlled precipitation at room temperature using ammonium hydroxide as the precipitation agent. The solid precipitate was separated from the excess liquid and dried overnight in an oven. The precipitate was then calcined at 600°C for 2 hours. Structural and morphological characterization was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). FTIR analysis confirmed that the synthesis converted the hydroxide-sulfate precursor to CeO₂, as evidenced by the disappearance of sulfate bands and the emergence of Ce-O lattice vibrations. FESEM imaging revealed a nanoporous morphology with uniform particle distribution. Elemental compositional analysis via Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the presence of Ce with minimal residual sulfur contamination, while X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis exhibited the formation of CeO₂ phase.  The synthesis yielded an 85% mass retention, demonstrating the potential of this route for efficient production of high-purity CeO₂.