TEM and XPS studies on the faceted nanocrystals of Ce{sub 0.8}Zr{sub 0.2}O{sub 2}

Faceted nanocrystals of Ce{sub 0.8}Zr{sub 0.2}O{sub 2} synthesised by co-precipitation method were characterised by X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. The nanocrystals were highly faceted and exhibited a cubic phase. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses confirmed the presence of vacancy related defects and revealed the presence of ~ 22% of Ce{sup 3} {sup +} in the nanopowders. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy results confirmed that the nanocrystal sizes are around 31 ± 5 nm and the obtained hexagonal cross-section shape is bound by hexagonal (111) and square (100) facets. The shape-controlled nanocrystals were synthesised without using any surfactants or complexing agents and retained their morphology beyond 800 °C. This is a simple and easy method for producing shape-controlled Ce{sub 0.8}Zr{sub 0.2}O{sub 2} nanoparticles which can be used for catalytic conversion and other related advanced technological areas. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • Synthesis of Ce{sub 0.8}Zr{sub 0.2}O{sub 2} faceted nanocrystal of hexagonal morphology. • Nanopowders synthesised without any surfactant; retained morphology beyond 800 °C. • XPS analyses confirm the potential of these powders for catalytic applications.