Synthesis and catalytic practicality of CeO2 nanoparticle: an excellent heterogenous candidate for 4-nitrophenol reduction

Abstract

The present study is based on a synthesis of facile, cheaper, well homogenized and highly stable Cerium Oxide nanostructures via chemical precipitation method. The synthesized nanoceria was subjected under different characterization tools. The UV–visible and FTIR study profile initially confirm the formation and existing functionalities in nanoceria. The XRD, SEM techniques were exploited the crystalline and untwined combined form rhombohedron shaped CeO2 nanoparticles respectively. While zeta sizer measurements explained well arranged, mono-dispersity, size and charge over the surface of nanoceria, which was calculated to be 17 nm with a desirable charge of + 6.37 mV. Finally, the well-prepared nanoceria nanoparticles were successfully applied as effective heterogeneous catalyst for 4-nitrophenol reduction. Under optimized conditions the nanoceria exhibited enhanced activity for 99% reduction of 4-NP within 60 s reaction time under greener microwave irradiation.