Template synthesis of CeO2 ordered nanowire arrays

Ordered CeO2 nanowire arrays embedded in anodic alumina membranes (AAM) were fabricated by a novel technique, in which anions and cations conversely migrated into the hexagonally ordered nanochannels of the AAM and reacted inside the channels to form one-dimensional nanostructures. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that CeO2 nanowires are about 60 nm in diameter, which correspond to the pore sizes of the membranes used. The selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern indicates that the nanowires selected are single crystals. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that the resultant nanowires are abundant and uniform. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra indicate that the CeO2 nanowires are cubic crystalline structure. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra data demonstrate that stoichiometric CeO2 is formed.