Supercharged ceria quantum dots with exceptionally high oxygen buffer action

Abstract

Herein we present the exceptionally high oxygen buffer action of ceria quantum dots of size 3.7 nm. Ceria nanoparticles were obtained via a facile ammonia precipitation route, and were characterized using TEM, XRD, BET surface area analysis, XPS analysis and TPR study using H₂ as the probe molecule. A supercharging effect that leads to low temperature oxygen release is observed in these ultra-fine ceria particles. Existence of under stoichiometry in the ceria nanostructures with practically no oxygen vacancies has been substantiated with experimental proof.