Hollow Micro/Nanostructured Ceria‐Based Materials: Synthetic Strategies and Versatile Applications

Abstract

Hollow micro/nanostructured CeO2‐based materials (HMNCMs) have triggered intensive attention as a result of their unique structural traits, which arise from their hollowness and the fascinating physicochemical properties of CeO2. This attention has led to widespread applications with improved performance. Herein, a comprehensive overview of methodologies applied for the synthesis of various hollow structures, such as hollow spheres, nanotubes, nanoboxes, and multishelled hollow spheres, is provided. The synthetic strategies toward CeO2 hollow structures are classified into three major categories: 1) well‐established template‐assisted (hard‐, soft‐, and in situ template) methods; 2) newly emerging self‐template approaches, including selective etching, Ostwald ripening, the Kirkendall effect, galvanic replacement, etc.; 3) bottom‐up self‐organized formation synthesis (namely, oriented attachment and self‐deformation). Their underlying mechanisms are concisely described and discussed in detail, the differences and similarities of which are compared transversely and longitudinally. Niche applications of HMNCMs in a wide range of fields including catalysis, energy conversion and storage, sensors, absorbents, photoluminescence, and biomedicines are reviewed. Finally, an outlook of future opportunities and challenges in the synthesis and application of CeO2‐based hollow structures is also presented.

Photocatalytic degradation of organic dye and tetracycline by ternary Ag2O/AgBr–CeO2 photocatalyst under visible-light irradiation

“…Cerium oxide (CeO 2 ) is a potential photocatalyst because of its outstanding catalytic activities, lower production costs, and excellent optical and chemical properties 8 . However, its widespread application under visible light irradiation is hindered owing to its over quick recombination of photoelectron hole pairs and the narrow range of light responses 9 .…”

Template Synthesis of Porous Ceria-Based Catalysts for Environmental Application

“…Many reviews and even books devoted to porous oxide materials, including cerium dioxide were published over the past decade [ 15 , 16 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. However, these works either cover a limited range of catalytic systems and processes, or do not fully consider the whole spectrum of template materials that could be used to synthesize ceria-based catalysts.…”

Facile synthesis of Co and Ce dual-doped Ni3S2 nanosheets on Ni foam for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction

“…Meanwhile, the introduction of OER co-catalysts in the doping process to improve the catalytic activities is rarely reported [23]. Distinct from the previous studies [24], constructing dual-doped catalysts with in situ co-catalyst provides an efficient strategy to improve the OER performance [25].…”