Defect engineering in cubic cerium oxide nanostructures for catalytic oxidation

In this manuscript, we identify a nanosize effect in nanostructured cerium oxides. Through leveraging the smaller oxygen storage capacity in nanostructured cerium oxides and the valence fluctuation character of cerium, we demonstrate a synthetic strategy to modulate the density of oxygen vacancy defects (OVD) in these cerium oxides through a novel low pressure thermal activation process. The presence of these defects in the nanostructured cerium oxides was carefully analyzed using high resolution transmission electron microscopy, extended x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and computational modeling. We believe that our findings lead to an improved understanding of the creation of OVDs in cerium oxide at the nanoscale and their significance in increasing the oxidative catalytic activity of cerium oxide.

Formation of a porous cerium oxide membrane by anodization - Chemical Communications (RSC Publishing)

Formation of a porous cerium oxide membrane by anodization - Chemical Communications (RSC Publishing)

My official Thesis Synthesis and Catalytic Activity of Nanostructured Cerium Oxide

http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/chemistrydiss/16/

Cerium oxide is well known to exfoliate from the surface of cerium metal in the same way that rust exfoliates from iron or steel. A two-step process to fabricate nanoporous ceria membranes via anodization and subsequent calcinations is reported. These membranes have the potential to be used in solid oxide fuel cells and solid-state oxygen sensors. Cerium metal foil was first anodized into adherent porous cerium hydroxide film, followed by calcination for conversion into ceria membranes. These membranes are composed of ribbon-like structures that form the backbone of the porous framework. A proposed anodization model for the growth of the nanoribbons is discussed.

My excution has been scheduled

I know I haven't poseted in a while, ok well over a year. I have been so busy working on my experiments that I havne' even had time to think.

I am writing my thesis right now and will be defending it on the 27th of July 2010 at 3:00 pm. Come on out and listen.

AAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGG

STRESS! My life is full of stress right now. I can't believe how much stress. I never have enough time. I feel guilty even writing this little bit. 

Life in the fast lane.

It was pointed out to me that I am quickly approaching the end of my first year as a graduate student. That to me is a rather scary proposal.

quick disjointed update

So what’s new in the life of Neil? Well as you know I am trying to create the next big thing in batteries. But this has been side tracked by a project for which I am well suited. I am studying how bacteria and mamilian cells stick to glass and other surfaces. This is of interest to the public because with this knowledge we can hopefully create surfaces on things like knee implants which your body cells would want to stick to but to which bacteria would not be able to stick. Did you know that millions of people each year have infections from getting an implant and that 60% of those infections cannot be treated by antibiotics alone? I spoke with a man who had to have his hip replaced 7 times due to infections.

Anyway this Friday I am going to be in Utah for a weekend. The national convention of the American Chemical Society is in SLC and I get to present at it. I am going to have to be at the conference during the day but will be able to be with Michelle and the kids at night. Then just a couple more months until they are here in Lincoln with me.

Michelle was out here a couple of weeks ago and interviewed at several of the schools for a teaching position. We have our fingers crossed that she will have an offer before she moves out here.