Hydrothermal Synthesis, Characterization and Property of CeO2 Nanotube

CeO2 nanotubes were synthesized by hydrothermal method using PEO-PPO-PEO (P123) as surfactant. The effects of reaction time, reaction temperature and concentration of surfactant on the formation of CeO2 nano- tubes were investigated. The microstructures of the samples were characterized by transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and N2 adsorption-desorption methods. The catalytic properties of CeO2 samples on methylene blue were also examined. The results indicate that single crystal CeO2 nanotubes are obtained when reaction time is 72 h, reaction temperature is 160℃ and molar ratio of P123 to CeCl3·7H2O is 1:5. The external diameter of CeO2 nanotubes is 40−60 nm, their internal diameter is about 20 nm and their length is 500−1000 nm. The formation mechanism of CeO2 nanotubes is subjected to dissolution-recrystallization, anisotropic growth and self crimping of Ce(OH)3 crystal seed. Compared with CeO2 nanoparticles and nanorods, CeO2 nanotubes demonstrate better cata- lytic activity on methylene blue, which is attributed to the remarkable adsorption of pore, exposure of higher active surface (110) and considerable defects on the surface of CeO2 nanotubes.