Fabrication of three-dimensional dendrite-like CeO2 crystallites via simple template-free solution route

Highly uniform three-dimensional dendrite-like CeO2 crystallites were successfully prepared in large quantities with a thermal decomposition of precursor approach applied. The precursor with an average size of 10 mu m was prepared in an aqueous solution containing Ce(NO3)(3) center dot 6H(2)O, CO(NH2)(2) and ammonia at 160 degrees C with no additional phase. The influence of ammonia on the dendrites formation was discussed. The dendritic pattern of precursor almost remained in the as-prepared product. The optical absorption spectrum indicates that CeO2 dendrites have a direct band gap of 3.52 eV. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.