Thermal decomposition of cerium triethanolamine complexes

Thermal decomposition of cerium triethanolamine complexes to cerium oxide, CeO2, in inert and oxidative atmospheres is investigated by thermogravimetry combined with infrared evolved gas analysis and the main volatiles formed during thermal decomposition are identified. Intermediate and final products are characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction and elemental analysis. Several overlapping steps occurring along the decomposition path are identified and plausible reaction pathways are presented. It will be shown that, independent of the atmosphere, decomposition starts around 200 degrees C but the endset temperature depends on the composition of the gas, i.e., the more inert the atmosphere, the higher the endset temperature. Finally, the effect the temperature and amount of triethanolamine used have during compound synthesis is discussed.