Fabrication of novel threefold shape CeO2 dendrites: Optical and electrochemical properties

Threefold shape CeO2 dendritic crystals were successfully prepared from a single precursor via a thermal decomposition route. The precursor was synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction using Ce(NO3)36 H2O with CO(NH2)2 at 150 °C in a water–TEA complex solution. The dendritic pattern of precursor almost remained in the as-prepared product. The optical absorption spectrum indicates that the CeO2 dendrites have a direct band gap of 3.51 eV. The electrochemical tests show that the CeO2 dendrites are a promising electrode material as they can deliver a large reversible discharge capacity of about 534 mAh g−1.