Direct Synthesis of Zr-Doped Ceria Nanotubes

Abstract

Zr-doped ceria nanotuhes (Zr(x)Ce(1-x)O(2)) Were obtained in a high yield from a hydrothermal reaction in an aqueous solution of NaOH with Ce(NO(3))(3)center dot 6H(2)O and ZrO(2) powder in a small proportion. The morphology and crystalline structure were characterized with X-ray diffraction, a scanning electron microscope, and a transmission electron microscope. Mechanisms for the growth of Zr-doped ceria nanotubes are proposed based oil the Kirkendall effect, the formation of the tubular structure is strongly dependent oil the precursor. This is the first report of a direct synthesis of cerium-oxide nanotubes in high yield. The surface area of the nanotubes is 76 m/g and their average pore size is similar to 52.2 nm, Catalytic measurements show that the nanotubes as synthesized are active for an oxygen-storage capacity and for ethanol reforming.