TEM and XPS studies on the faceted nanocrystals of Ce0.8Zr0.2O2

Faceted nanocrystals of Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 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 Ce3+ in the nanopowders. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy results confirmed that the nanocrystal sizes are around 31±5nm 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 Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 nanoparticles which can be used for catalytic conversion and other related advanced technological areas. [Display omitted] •Synthesis of Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 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.