Mechanisms of the surface reaction and crystal growth of cerium oxide by supercritical hydrothermal treatment with carboxylic acids

This study revealed the mechanisms of the surface reaction and crystal growth of cerium oxide (CeO2) by supercritical hydrothermal treatment with carboxylic acids. CeO2 particles with an average size of 16 nm were hydrothermally treated with decanoic acid in the temperature range of 300-400 degrees C. The average particle size became over 20 nm with decanoic acid whereas the particle size hardly changed without decanoic acid. Additionally, the octahedral shape of CeO2 changed to an ellipsoid shape after the treatment. Decanoic acid drastically increases the dissolved amount of cerium ions through formation of cerium(iii) decanoate. Furthermore, the presence of water promotes reprecipitation of the cerium decanoate to CeO2 where cerium(iii) decanoate acts as an intermediate of the dissolution and reprecipitation process. Appropriate amounts of decanoic acid and water accelerate this dissolution-reprecipitation cycle, which promotes particle growth. The higher temperature promotes particle growth because of the increase of the kinetics of complex formation and reprecipitation.

Automated summary

This study revealed the effects of carboxylic acids on the surface reaction and crystal growth of CeO2 in supercritical hydrothermal treatment. Decanoic acid significantly increases the dissolved amount of cerium ions and promotes reprecipitation of CeO2, leading to particle growth. Appropriate amounts of decanoic acid and water accelerate the dissolution-reprecipitation cycle, while higher temperature enhances particle growth kinetics.