Structure and optical properties of CeO2 nanoparticles prepared by using lemongrass plant extract solution

The synthesis and optical properties of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles by a simple, cost-effective and environment-friendly method using cerium(III) acetate hydrate and lemongrass plant extract. The CeO2 nanoparticles having sizes of 10-40nm were obtained by calcining the precursors in air at 400, 500, and 600 degrees C, for 2 h. Results from X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy indicated that the synthesized CeO2 nanoparticles have the fluorite structure of the bulk CeO2 samples. The PL intensity of CeO2 increases with increasing calcination temperature. The CeO2 sample calcined at 600 degrees C shows a stronger emission spectrum than the CeO2 samples calcined at 400 and 500 degrees C, suggesting its better crystalline and optical properties than the other samples. (C) 2014 The Japan Society of Applied Physics