Synthesis and characterization of CeO2-doped SiO2 nanoparticles by a reverse micelle and sol-gel processing

CeO2-doped SiO2 nanoparticles have been synthesized using a reverse micelle technique combined with metal alkoxide hydrolysis and condensation. The size of the particles and the thickness of the coating can be controlled by manipulating the relative rates of the hydrolysis and condensation reaction of TEOS within the micro-emulsion. Average particle sizes of CeO2-doped SiO2 were found in the range 15-35 nm. The effects of synthesis parameters such as the molar ratio of water to tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and the molar ratio of water to surfactant are discussed. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.