Skip to main content

Investigating the nucleation pathway of CeO2 nanoparticles using Cryo-TEM


EMSL Project ID
60605

Abstract

CeO2 nanoparticles can form oxygen vacancies at the surface of the particles, reducing nearby Ce4+ to Ce3+. This defect chemistry makes them highly useful as antioxidants in biological tissues experiencing oxidative stress, catalysts for the Water Gas Shift reaction used to produce H2, and as oxide ion conductors in solid oxide fuel cells. The proposed research plans to use Cryo-TEM and PXRD to monitor the nucleation pathway of CeO2 nanoparticles in aqueous conditions with and without added electrolytes. The nucleation pathway of CeO2 nanoparticles is not well-understood because traditional synthesis conditions involving rapid precipitation hinder this exploration. Our simple synthesis of aging metal salt solutions makes this exploration possible. Understanding the nucleation pathway is key to controlling particle size, shape, and reactivity. Cryo-TEM and PXRD capabilities in EMSL will be used to monitor the materials evolution of our aging salt solutions until the precipitation of the CeO2 nanoparticles. Both techniques will allow us to identify any reaction intermediates and gain direct visualization of this dynamic process.

Project Details

Start Date
2022-10-19
End Date
2023-10-03
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

James De Yoreo
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Team Members

Yuna Bae
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Biao Jin
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Kyle Kluherz
Institution
University of Washington