Chemical Properties
Cerium dioxide is white to faintly yellow powder. Relative density 7.132. Melting point 2600°C. Insoluble in water, not easily soluble in inorganic acid. Need to add reducing agent to help dissolve (such as hydroxylamine reducing agent).
Physical properties
White powder in pure form; technical grade material is pale yellow; presence of other lanthanide elements as impurities may impart reddish color; cubic crystal; density 7.65 g/cm3; melts at 2,400°C; insoluble in water.
Application
Cerium(IV) oxide is used in ceramics, and to polish glass and stones. It is applied as a solid electrolyte in fuel cells. It can also be employed as a co-catalyst in a number of reactions. It is also used as an antioxidant and to generate hydrogen through water splitting. It is used as a high-temperature hydrocarbon oxidation catalyst in self-cleaning ovens. It can be used in infrared filters, incandescent mantles and sunscreens in combination with other materials. It finds use as a catalyst support and to sensitize photosensitive glass.
Definition
Cerium dioxide is a metal oxide with formula CeO2. It is used for polishing glass, in coatings for infra-red filters to prevent reflection, and as an oxidant and catalyst in organic synthesis.
Preparation
Cerium(IV) oxide may be obtained by heating cerium oxalate, carbonate or other salts at elevated temperatures:
Ce2(C2O4)3 + 2O2 → 2CeO2 + 6CO2
General Description
Cerium(IV) oxide (CeO2) is a class of rare earth materials which can be synthesized by a variety of methods which include thermal hydrolysis and hydrothermal method. Its properties include a high refractive index, and dielectric constant.
Flammability and Explosibility
Notclassified
reaction suitability
reagent type: catalyst
core: cerium
Toxics Screening Level
The Initial Threshold Screening Level (ITSL) for cerium oxide is 0.9 μg/m3 with annual averaging time.
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