Factors affecting formation of ceria nanoparticles by alternating current electrolysis of aqueous solutions

Nanometer-sized ceria particles (primary particle size 6–70 nm) were prepared in 0.1 M Ce(NO3)3 aqueous solutions by alternating current electrolysis of 1 Hz at 10 V for 24 h. The influence of the surface area of Pt electrode, electric field strength, solution pH and volume of Ce(NO3)3 aqueous solution on the size and yield of CeO2 nanoparticles were studied at 25 °C and 60 °C. The increase of the surface area of Pt electrode caused the decrease of current density and contributed to the formation of smaller particles. The electric field strength gave little influence on the size and yield of CeO2 nanoparticles. The increased pH and increased volume of electrolysis solution were effective to increase the quantity of CeO2 particles formed.