Abstract:
In this work, synthesis of ultra-thin 2D CeO2nanoribbons is reported for the first time along with rod-shaped nanostructures via a surfactant free
aqueous method. CeO2nanoribbons of length >100 nm have been synthesised through a mild reaction route involving ammonia precipitation and
subsequent heating and ageing at 0 8C. 2D nanostructures are proposed to be formed as a result of self-assembly of CeO2
molecules. The ribbons
exhibited amorphous X-ray diffraction pattern and TEM showed a ribbon like morphology with crystal facets of 0.33 nm spacing corresponding
to (1 1 1) plane of CeO2. HR-TEM confirmed that the nanorods are enclosed by {1 1 1} planes and have preferentially grown in {1 1 0} direction.
The surface area of the powder containing majority nanorods is 82 m
2
/g and their average pore size is 3 nm. The nanostructures exhibited optical
band gaps dominated by the regular quantum confinement effect as well as presence of defects.
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