Cerium dioxide

Chemical properties

Cerium dioxide is white to faintly yellow powder. Relative density 7.132. Melting point 2600°C. Insoluble in water, not easily soluble in inorganic acid. Need to add reducing agent to help dissolve (such as hydroxylamine reducing agent).

Physical properties

White powder in pure form; technical grade material is pale yellow; presence of other lanthanide elements as impurities may impart reddish color; cubic crystal; density 7.65 g/cm³; melts at 2,400°C; insoluble in water.

Physical properties

Pale yellow cubic crystals. Abrasive for polishing glass, interference filters, antireflection coating. Insoluble in water, soluble in H₂ SO₄ and HNO_3, but insoluble in diluted acid.

The Uses of Cerium dioxide

The addition of CeO2 to CuO/TiO2 increases specific surface area and inhibits sintering and pore size growth at high temperatures. It is used as an additive in glass industry. Cerium dioxide is mainly used as such or in formulation as a high precision polishing agent for glass products, as catalyst or catalyst support. Polishing and decolorizing glass; opacifier in vitreous enamels and photo chromic glasses; heat-resistant alloy coatings; as a cracking catalyst; as a catalyst for automobile emission control; in ceramic coatings; in phosphors; in cathodes; in capacitors; in semiconductors; in refractory oxides; gemstone polishing, as raw material for the production of glass and ceramics as well as additives in paints and varnishes.

Definition

Cerium dioxide is a metal oxide with formula CeO2. It is used for polishing glass, in coatings for infra-red filters to prevent reflection, and as an oxidant and catalyst in organic synthesis.

Preparation

Cerium(IV) oxide may be obtained by heating cerium oxalate, carbonate or other salts at elevated temperatures:
Ce₂(C₂O₄)₃ + 2O₂ → 2CeO₂ + 6CO₂

What are the applications of Application

Cerium(IV) oxide is used in ceramics, and to polish glass and stones. It is applied as a solid electrolyte in fuel cells. It can also be employed as a co-catalyst in a number of reactions. It is also used as an antioxidant and to generate hydrogen through water splitting. It is used as a high-temperature hydrocarbon oxidation catalyst in self-cleaning ovens. It can be used in infrared filters, incandescent mantles and sunscreens in combination with other materials. It finds use as a catalyst support and to sensitize photosensitive glass.

General Description

Cerium(IV) oxide (CeO₂) is a class of rare earth materials which can be synthesized by a variety of methods which include thermal hydrolysis and hydrothermal method. Its properties include a high refractive index, and dielectric constant.

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified