Study on the Structure and Morphology of Ce_xZr_(1-x)O₂ Mixed Oxides

Abstract

A series of CexZr(1-x)O2 mixed oxides with different ratio (0 x 1) have been synthesized using microemulsion method. The structure and morphology of the mixed oxides have been investigated via X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The results showed that the synthesized mixed oxides were of nanoscale size and the cubic phase was obtained with the application of a ratio of x > 0.5. Additionally, it was found that the tetragonal phase existed with lower ceria content. The average crystallite size of the CexZr(1-x)O2 series were found to be in the 5 - 10 nm range. Moreover, the roughness of these mixed oxides had also decreased with increasing ceria content.