Environmental Protection: CeO2 NPs are used in catalytic converters to reduce emissions of harmful gases from automotive exhaust.
Energy: They play a role in fuel cells and solar cells due to their ability to store and release oxygen efficiently.
Biomedicine: Due to their antioxidant properties, CeO2 NPs are being explored for applications in treating oxidative stress-related diseases.
Polishing Agents: They are used in the polishing of glass and silicon wafers due to their abrasive properties.
Sol-gel method: This involves the transition of a solution system from a liquid "sol" into a solid "gel" phase.
Hydrothermal synthesis: This method uses high-temperature and high-pressure conditions to promote chemical reactions.
Precipitation method: Chemical precipitation involves the transformation of a substance from a solution into a solid particle.
Flame spray pyrolysis: This is a gas-phase synthesis method where a precursor solution is combusted to form nanoparticles.
High Surface Area: The increased surface area enhances their catalytic activity.
Redox Behavior: CeO2 can easily switch between Ce3+ and Ce4+ states, making it an excellent redox catalyst.
Antioxidant Properties: Their ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) makes them beneficial in biomedical applications.
Thermal Stability: CeO2 NPs are thermally stable, making them suitable for high-temperature applications.
Toxicity: The potential cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of CeO2 NPs necessitate careful assessment and regulation.
Environmental Impact: The long-term environmental effects of nanoparticles remain largely unknown and require extensive research.
Scalability: The synthesis methods need to be scalable and cost-effective for industrial applications.
Stability: Stability of nanoparticles in various environments is crucial for their practical applications.
Future Prospects
The future of CeO2 nanoparticles looks promising with ongoing research focusing on overcoming current challenges. Innovations in
synthesis techniques, toxicological studies, and environmental impact assessments will pave the way for safer and more effective applications of these versatile nanoparticles.
