Cerium oxide having high catalytic performance

摘要

A catalyst that includes cerium oxide having a fluorite lattice structure is provided. The cerium oxide includes cerium atoms in mixed valence states of Ce3+/Ce4+, in which the ratio of Ce3+/(Ce3++Ce4+) in the lattice ranges from 40% to 90% at 20° C. The valence states Ce3+ and Ce4+ are reversible in reduction and oxidation reactions, and the cerium oxide maintains catalytic ability at temperatures at least up to 450° C.

主权项

1. A catalyst comprising:
cerium oxide nanotubes or nanorods having a fluorite lattice structure comprising cerium atoms in mixed valence states of Ce3+ and Ce4+, in which the ratio of Ce3+/(Ce3++Ce4+) in the lattice is configured to be approximately equal to a pre-selected value in a range from 40% to 70% at 20° C., the valence states Ce3+ and Ce4+ being reversible in reduction and oxidation reactions, the cerium oxide nanotubes or nanorods maintaining catalytic ability at temperatures at least up to 450° C., wherein the ratio of Ce3+/(Ce3++Ce4+) in the lattice is determined at least in part by activating the cerium oxide nanotubes or nanorods in an environment containing oxygen at a pressure at or below 10 Torr and at a temperature not more than 400° C.