Synthesis, characterization and UV-shielding property of polystyrene-embedded CeO2 nanoparticles

A cerium-triethanolamine (TEA) complex was prepared and used as the precursor to synthesize CeO2 nanoparticles. It was mixed with styrene (St) in aqueous solution and hydrolysized to generate CeO2 nanoparticles. In situ emulsion polymerization of the monomer was followed in one pot. The CeO2 nanoparticles were incorporated into polystyrene (PS) matrix and dispersed homogeneously, with an average crystallite size of 3-5 nm and a band gap at 3.01 eV. Meanwhile, the embedding of the CeO2 nanoparticles can enhance UV-shielding property of PS. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.