Effect of transition elements substitution on structural, optoelectronic, magnetic and mechanical properties of CeO2

Abstract

Cerium is the most abundant rare earth metal in the earth’s crust (66.5 ppm).It is more abundant than copper (60 ppm) [1].Metallic cerium is available in various minerals i.e. Allanite/Orthite, Monazite, Bastnasite, Cerite, and Samarskite The increasing mention of cerium oxide (CeO2) is observed in catalysis [1], solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) [3] and in some cases, it is irreplaceable. CeO2 has strong redox and intrinsic structural properties which makes it special. Catalytic properties of CeO2 are highly influenced as one approaches nanoscale size [4]. Production of CeO2 with controlled size and morphology using new synthesis techniques leads to different functionalities [5]. The present principal global source of energy (fossil fuel) is on the verge of extinction. Hence, new sources of energy are being explored globally. It has indeed become a prime concern of the scientificcommunity. This has led to an exponential rate of new technological development.Sustainable and environment friendly technologies are of specific interest. Renewable sources are the only reliable option for a consistent supply of energyin the future. CeO2, having all these properties, is increasingly becoming more important [4,6–8]. CeO2 has been consistently cited as a primary energy and environmental applications material since 1980. In three-way catalysis and photo-catalysis the role of cerium oxide is unique [9]. It is used in environmental applications for controlling toxic auto exhaust gas emissions. It is also used in major energy applications such as hydrogen production, dye-sensitized solar cell, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and so on; with cerium-based compounds playing an important role. CeO2-based compounds have led to breakthroughs in treating various diseases such ascancer,cardiac,inflammableetc [10,11]. It is also interesting that the multifunctional behavior of CeO2 relies on decreasing dimensions of the materials to the nano-domain. Its wide applications are due to its high abundance and unique properties such as oxygen storage capacity, oxygen ion conductivity, high hardness, stability at high temperature and reactivity. Ce based materials have important industrial applications