The preparation of ceria colloids dispersed by polyvinyl alcohol

Nanocrystalline CeO2 colloids were synthesized from cerium nitrate under the catalysis of ammonia at near the room temperature. The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) dispersant was used in mixed raw solutions to prevent the aggregation of CeO2 colloids. By means of the measurements of transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Zeta potential, the ceria colloids were proved to be dispersed effectively via PVA. The average diameter of CeO2 colloids was about 220 nm by dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. Otherwise, the effects of Zeta potential and ammonia catalyst were researched to verify the possible stabilization mechanism of the CeO2 hydrosol. The main application of nanocrystalline CeO2 colloids was considered as abrasive material in the field of chemical mechanical planarization (CMP).