Synthesis of uniform quasi-octahedral CeO2 mesocrystals via a surfactant-free route

• A facile surfactant-free nonaqueous method is presented to prepare uniform quasi-octahedral ceria, CeO 2 , mesocrystals, in which only Ce(NO 3 ) 3 and octanol were used as the reactants at a reaction temperature of 150 °C. CeO 2 sample synthesized using this technique consists of well-dispersed quasi-octahedrons and exhibits an uniform size and morphology. Based on structural characterization, it is proposed that the CeO 2 mesostructure was formed by self-assembly of primary nanocrystals based on unique 3D oriented-attachment mechanism. Optical characterization exhibited a strong quantum confinement, revealing small size of primary nanocrystals. The thermal stability and UV–Vis study reveal CeO 2 mesocrystal has various potential for high temperature applications and optical apparatus applications.

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