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At least 37 records · Page 2

Arsenite oxyanions affect CeO 2 nanoparticle dissolution and colloidal stability

While highly reactive cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs) are widely used in industry, their transport in aquatic systems is not well understood. To fill this knowledge gap, the interactions of CeO 2 NPs with arsenite (As 3+ ), a toxic metalloid and potential co-present contaminant, were investigated with respect to CeO 2 NP colloidal stability, dissolution, and surface redox reactions. Arsenite showed distinctive effects at different concentrations, with a high As 3+ concentration (10 –4 M) inducing 90% of CeO 2 NPs to settle from solution after 8 hours, while lower As 3+ concentrations (10 –5 or 10 –6 M) led to only 20% of CeO 2 NPs settling. The dissolution of NPs was most significant in the 10 –5 M As 3+ system owing to a lesser extent of aggregation, exposing more CeO 2 surface for dissolution. In the three As 3+ concentration systems, >97% of aqueous arsenic remained as As 3+ over 6 hours. On the NP surface, adsorbed As III was oxidized to As V , resulting in 58–70% of the adsorbed arsenic remaining as As III . Simultaneously Ce IV was reduced to Ce III , increasing Ce III on the CeO 2 NP surface from 17% (without arsenite) to 21–25% (with arsenite). Further mechanistic analyses revealed that the adsorption of arsenite was the main contributor to neutralizing the CeO 2 NP surface potential, enhancing particle sedimentation. These findings suggest that the fate and transport of CeO 2 NPs in our experimental systems are strongly affected by arsenite concentration and its adsorption on NPs. Here, the results also highlight the importance of the interplay between NP aggregation, oxidation, and dissolution in predicting the behaviors of CeO 2 NPs and associated toxic elements in aquatic systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Effect of pretreatment conditions on acidity and dehydration activity of CeO 2 -MeO x catalysts

A series of MeOx-modified CeO 2 (CeO 2 -MnO x , CeO 2 -ZnO, CeO 2 -MgO, CeO 2 -CaO, and CeO 2 -Na 2 O) catalysts were prepared by the impregnation of CeO 2 with corresponding metal nitrates. Acidity and oxidation state of cerium were investigated on both oxidized and reduced catalysts by employing Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) on adsorbed pyridine and in situ H 2 -Temperature Programmed Reduction/X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (H 2 -TPR/XAS) techniques, respectively. Metal oxide addition tended to alter both type and number of acid sites on ceria. EXAFS data showed a significant difference in N Ce-O between unmodified and CeO 2 -MeO x , suggesting that added MeO x interferes with vacancy formation on ceria during reduction. Here, in comparison with air-pretreated samples, H 2 -pretreated ones under similar conversion of 1,5 pentanediol exhibited a higher selectivity towards linear alcohols. Alcohol conversion found to correlate with total acidity (i.e., Brønsted and Lewis). CeO 2 benefited from the addition of alkali (Na) or alkaline earth metals (Mg, Ca) by producing unsaturated alcohols.

1,5-Pentanediol↗

STK Integrated Message Production List Editor (SIMPLE) for CEO Operations

Late in fiscal year 2011, the Crew Earth Observations (CEO) team was tasked to upgrade and replace its mission planning and mission operations software systems, which were developed in the Space Shuttle era of the 1980s and 1990s. The impetuses for this change were the planned transition of all workstations to the Windows 7 64-bit operating system and the desire for more efficient and effective use of Satellite Tool Kit (STK) software required for reliable International Space Station (ISS) Earth location tracking. An additional requirement of this new system was the use of the same SQL database of CEO science sites from the SMMS, which was also being developed. STK Integrated Message Production List Editor (SIMPLE) is the essential, all-in-one tool now used by CEO staff to perform daily ISS mission planning to meet its requirement to acquire astronaut photography of specific sites on Earth. The sites are part of a managed, long-term database that has been defined and developed for scientific, educational, and public interest. SIMPLE's end product is a set of basic time and location data computed for an operator-selected set of targets that the ISS crew will be asked to photograph (photography is typically planned 12 to 36 hours out). The CEO operator uses SIMPLE to (a) specify a payload operations planning period; (b) acquire and validate the best available ephemeris data (vectors) for the ISS during the planning period; (c) ingest and display mission-specific site information from the CEO database; (d) identify and display potential current dynamic event targets as map features; (e) compute and display time and location information for each target; (f) screen and select targets based on known crew availability constraints, obliquity constraints, and real-time evaluated constraints to target visibility due to illumination (sun elevation) and atmospheric conditions (weather); and finally (g) incorporate basic, computed time and location information for each selected target into the daily CEO Target List product (message) for submission to ISS payload planning and integration teams for their review and approval prior to uplink. SIMPLE requires and uses the following resources: an ISS mission planning period Greenwich Mean Time start date/time and end date/time), the best available ISS mission ephemeris data (vectors) for that planning period, the STK software package configured for the ISS, and an ISS mission-specific subset of the CEO sites database. The primary advantages realized by the development and implementation of SIMPLE into the CEO payload operations support activity are a smooth transition to the Windows 7 operating system upon scheduled workstation refresh; streamlining of the input and verification of the current ISS ephemeris (vector data); seamless incorporation of selected contents of the SQL database of science sites; the ability to tag and display potential dynamic event opportunities on orbit track maps; simplification of the display and selection of encountered sites based on crew availability, illumination, obliquity, and weather constraints; the incorporation of high-quality mapping of the Earth with various satellite-based datasets for use in describing targets; and the ability to encapsulate and export the essential selected target elements in XML format for use by onboard Earth-location systems, such as Worldmap. SIMPLE is a carefully designed and crafted in-house software package that includes detailed help files for the user and meticulous internal documentation for future modifications. It was delivered in February 2012 for test and evaluation. Following acceptance, it was implemented for CEO mission operations support in May 2012.

Trenchard, Mike↗

CEOS Committee on Earth Observations Satellites Consolidated Report, 1992

A concise overview of the committee on Earth Observations Satellites (CEOS) and its Working Groups, covering the history and purpose of the Committee and its accomplishments to date are provided. The report will be updated annually before each Plenary meeting, and as developments in the Working Groups warrant. The committee on Earth Observations Satellites (originally named the International Earth Observations Satellite committee, IEOS) was treated in 1984, in response to a recommendation from the Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations Working Group on Growth, Technology, and Employment's Panel of Experts on Satellite Remote Sensing. This group recognized the multidisciplinary nature of satellite Earth observations, and the value of coordinating across all proposed missions. Thus, CEOS combined the previously existing groups for coordination on Ocean Remote-Sensing Satellites (CORSS) and coordination on Land Remote-Sensing Satellites (CLRSS), and established a broad framework for coordination across all spaceborne Earth observations missions. The first three LEOS Plenary meetings focused on treating and guiding the Working Groups deemed necessary to carry out the objectives of the CEOS members. After the third meeting, it was agreed that a more active orientation was required by the Plenary, and additional issues were brought before the group at the fourth meeting. At the fifth Plenary, international scientific programs and relevant intergovernmental organizations accepted invitations and participated as affiliate members of CEOS. This enabled progress toward integrating satellite data users' requirements into the CEOS process. Data exchange principles for global change research were also adopted. An interim CEOS Plenary meeting was held in April 1992, in preparation for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). Brief encapsulations of the Plenary sessions immediately follow the Terms of Reference that govern the activities of CEOS as a whole; Terms of Reference for the individual Working Groups are included as Appendix A. A complete listing of CEOS members is offered as Appendix B.

Source record↗

Structural, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of Nd-Doped CeO{sub 2} Nanoparticles Codoped with Transition Metal Elements (Cu, Zn, Cr)

In the present work, pure CeO{sub 2}, neodymium-doped CeO{sub 2}, and neodymium and transition metal element (Cu, Zn, Cr)-codoped CeO{sub 2} nanoparticles were synthesized by an auto-combustion method and annealed at 700 {sup ∘}C. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies revealed that all the samples exhibited a single-phase cubic fluorite structure with the incorporation of respective dopant ions into the CeO{sub 2} lattice. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images displayed the prepared nanoparticles which had an irregular flaky structure with large agglomerations. The Fourier transform Raman (FT-Raman) spectroscopy analysis revealed the increased oxygen vacancy defects in CeO{sub 2} host after doping and codoping with neodymium and transition metal elements. Ultraviolet-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) studies revealed the decrease in bandgap values in doped and codoped samples compared to pure CeO{sub 2} sample. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies revealed the presence of functional groups in the prepared samples. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy analysis reported the decreased luminescence intensities of Nd-doped and neodymium and transition metal-codoped CeO{sub 2} nanoparticles. The vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) results depicted that all the samples exhibited room-temperature ferromagnetism.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

The Triple Component Interface of Ni–Co–Ce: Growth, Chemical State, and Stability of NiCo Bimetallic Particles on Reducible CeO 2 (111) Thin Films

The growth of NiCo particles at low coverages over reducible CeO 2 (111) thin films producing a triple interface between Ni-Co-Ce was investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which was compared to that of monometallic Ni and Co particles. XPS data show that deposition of either Ni or Co on CeO 2 at 300 K causes a partial reduction of Ce 4+ cations to Ce 3+ ions. At 0.3 monolayer (ML), XPS detects Co 2+ on CeO 2 . However, both Ni 0 and Ni 2+ are present as major species at 300 K and annealing causes a significant increase of Ni 2+ in Ni particles. Deposition of 0.3 ML Co over 0.3 ML Ni on CeO 2 at 300 K induces reduction of Ni 2+ to metallic Ni and Ni 0 was found as predominant species. Unlike for Co/CeO 2 , metallic Co was also present over the Co-Ni/CeO 2 surface in addition to Co 2+ . Further, this behavior indicates the formation of NiCo bimetallic particles with the possibility of Co diffusion to the interface of Ni/ceria. With heating, the intermixing of Ni and Co atoms in bimetallic particles on CeO 2 was facilitated. Furthermore, oxidation of both metals and ceria occurred as a result of the diffusion of lattice oxygen from the bulk of ceria to the surface. A slight increase in Ni 2+ was observed after heating Co-Ni/CeO 2 to 500 K or higher. Co became Co 2+ with heating to 800 K. Our STM results confirm the formation of NiCo bimetallic particles on CeO 2 at 300 K and further suggest that the addition of Co can help inhibit the sintering of Ni particles at higher temperatures. Bimetallic particles were also obtained by depositing Ni over existing Co particles on CeO 2 . However, our XPS data demonstrate that the deposition order of Co and Ni plays a role in the chemical state of these two metals in bimetallic particles, likely attributed to the difference in their compositions at the bimetallic particle surface as well as the metal-support interface.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

CeO 2 Promoted CuO/MgO-Al 2 O 3 Catalyst with Enhanced Activity and Water-Resistance for CO Oxidation

Copper (Cu)-based catalysts have emerged as cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to noble metal systems (e.g., Pt, Pd) for catalytic CO oxidation. However, their practical application is hindered by insufficient low-temperature activity and rapid deactivation under wet conditions containing moisture. To address these challenges, this work introduces CeO 2 -modified CuO/MgO-Al 2 O 3 (Cu-Ce/MA) catalysts, strategically designed to enhance the catalytic performance and water resistance simultaneously. These catalytic materials were evaluated for CO oxidation under both dry and humid conditions, revealing that CeO 2 modification significantly improves the low-temperature activity. Specifically, the optimal catalyst, Cu-30Ce/MA, achieved a 50% CO conversion temperature (T 50 ) of 151 °C, a marked reduction from 218 °C on Cu/MA reference catalyst. Furthermore, the water resistance improves in a CeO 2 content-dependent manner, with higher CeO 2 loadings imparting greater stability in humid environments. Detailed characterizations demonstrate that CeO 2 promotes the dispersion of CuO and stabilizes Cu sites, while also enhancing the low-temperature reducibility and CO adsorption capacity. Crucially, CeO 2 modification suppresses the competitive H 2 O adsorption, mitigating water-induced deactivation. These synergistic effects collectively rationalize the superior activity and durability of Cu-Ce/MA catalysts. By elucidating the dual role of CeO 2 in optimizing Cu-based systems, this study advances the rational design of cost-effective catalysts for real-world CO emission control, particularly under water-rich industrial conditions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

(U) PRAD0697 & PRAD0698: Complex Loading of CeO₂ Powder

Cerium(IV) oxide (CeO₂) powder is shock compressed using the Precision High Energy-density Liner Implosion eXperiment (PHELIX) platform. Experimental results are compared against several modeling approaches. Compaction behavior is best captured with a P-∝ model, which calculates CeO₂ powder bulk densities within 80-99% of experimental values but overpredicts densi cation at the cylindrical target's outer radius and center by up to 20%. Preliminary calculations suggest that accuracy could be increased with the inclusion of a coupled strength model. Several common computational modeling approaches for the shock compression response of granular materials and the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) force upon the impactor/liner in pulsed power compression experiments are investigated and analyzed for their validity. The Bi-linear Ramp, P-∝ PACXP, and P-∝ Menikoff-Kober continuum compaction models are calibrated to planar impact Hugoniot data for CeO₂ powder and used to predict the powder's shock compaction response under non-planar shock wave compression. MHD calculations of the PHELIX pulsed power driver are performed using an idealized resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) circuit calibrated to previous experiments. All simulations are performed using the LANL code FLAG. Two validation experiments are computationally designed using the calibrated compaction and circuit models, executed using the PHELIX platform on CeO₂ targets with initial porous densities of 3.95 and 4.03 g/cm³, measured with proton radiography, and analyzed against the model predictions. The two P-∝ models more accurately describe CeO₂ powder densi cation than the Bi-linear Ramp model. However, the two P-∝ models overpredict bulk density of the shock compressed CeO₂ powder by up to 20% when the appropriate impact velocities are applied. MHD calculations for both validation experiments underpredict liner impact velocities by 4-11% when using the idealized RLC circuit model calibrated to previous experiments. Compensating underpredictions of impact velocity and overpredictions of powder densication lead to a false accuracy in pre-shot calculations compared to experimental data. To improve correlation between simulations and experiments, the following improvements are suggested: 1. A coupled strength model for CeO₂ powder that updates strength as a function of porosity and applied stress. 2. An improved MHD circuit model that more accurately captures the PHELIX machine.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Degradation of Congo Red dye by a Fe 2 O 3 @CeO 2 -ZrO 2 /Palygorskite composite catalyst: Synergetic effects of Fe 2 O 3

A newly designed Fe 2 O 3 @CeO 2 -ZrO 2 /Palygorskite heterogeneous Fenton catalyst with high degradation efficiency toward Congo Red (CR) is reported in this paper. The iron oxide (Fe 2 O 3 ) was used as the originator of hydroxyl radicals ( OH), CeO 2 -ZrO 2 was used as an efficient matrix of Fe 2 O 3 to enhance the oxidation performance, and the Palygorskite (Pal) played the role of substrate and adsorbent. A synergetic effect of the catalyst was realized by enhancing the adsorption capacity and dispersibility of CeO 2 -ZrO 2 and Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles, and also due to charge transfer between these two species. The products were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, XPS, VSM and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. The catalytic activities were evaluated in terms of many reaction parameters. The removal efficiency of CR was up to 95% on Fe 2 O 3 @CeO 2 -ZrO 2 /Pal under optimized conditions (Pal accounted for 30% of the catalyst mass fraction and Ce/Zr atoms molar ratio = 8:2, T = 30 °C, pH = 3.4, 4 g L -1 catalyst, 40 mM H 2 O 2 and 500 mg/L CR), the product also has shown good reusability. Both α-Fe 2 O 3 and CeO 2 -ZrO 2 played important roles in the generation of hydroxyl radicals, which determined the catalytic efficiency of the composite catalyst. Fe 2 O 3 @CeO 2 -ZrO 2 /Pal was proven to be a promising candidate in the field of heterogeneous Fenton catalysis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Combustion synthesized CeO{sub 2} as an anodic material in dye sensitized solar cells

Highlights: • One-step combustion synthesis of CeO{sub 2}. • Application of synthesized material as an anodic material for DSSC. • DSSC using CeO{sub 2} displayed an efficiency of 1.84%. - Abstract: Cerium oxide (CeO{sub 2}) has received a considerable attention due to its capacity to absorb visible light, low cost, high stability and environmental friendly catalytic applications. Among the various techniques employed to synthesize CeO{sub 2}, solution combustion synthesis is a one-step, economic and effective process. In this work, we report application of combustion synthesized CeO{sub 2} as an anodic material in the dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The synthesized material were characterized using standard analytical techniques such as XRD, SEM, BET, UV-DRS, and TEM. DSSC was fabricated using the synthesized material and characterized for incident photon to current conversion efficiency (IPCE), current density-voltage (J-V) measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The power conversion efficiency of solar cell was found to be 1.84%. This is the first study to report use of combustion synthesized CeO{sub 2} for DSSC application.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

H 2 Dissociation on Noble Metal Single Atom Catalysts Adsorbed on and Doped into CeO 2 (111)

In this study, we used density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the dissociation of H 2 on an Ag single atom catalyst adsorbed on the pristine CeO 2 (111) surface (Ag/CeO 2 ), or substituting a surface Ce atom on the reduced (Ag:CeO 2-x ) and partially hydrogenated (Ag:H–CeO 2 ) surfaces. The initial state of the H 2 dissociation reaction in the different investigated models corresponds to distinct oxidation states, +1, +2, or +3, of the Ag atom, thus allowing us to examine the influence of the charge transfers between the noble metal, the oxide, and the hydrogen atoms on the reaction pathway and activation energy. In all investigated models, the computed barrier of H 2 dissociation is lowered by about 0.6 eV in comparison to that on metal-free CeO 2 . On Ag/CeO 2 and Ag:CeO 2-x , also the energy of H 2 dissociative adsorption is smaller than that on metal-free ceria. These results suggest that CeO 2 modified with dispersed Ag atoms is a promising anode material for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Lastly, further comparison of our results for Ag to analogous calculations for Cu and Au single atom catalysts reveals trends in the computed barriers that can be related to the change of the metal oxidation state in the reaction.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

In Situ Elucidation of the Active State of Co–CeO x Catalysts in the Dry Reforming of Methane: The Important Role of the Reducible Oxide Support and Interactions with Cobalt

The activation of methane and its dry reforming with CO 2 was systematically studied over a series (2–30 wt %) of Co (~5 nm in size) loaded CeO 2 catalysts, with an effort to elucidate the interplay between Co and CeO 2 during the catalytic process using in situ methods. The results of in situ time-resolved X-ray diffraction (TR-XRD) show a strong interaction of methane with the CoOx–CeO 2 systems at temperatures between 200 and 350 °C. The hydrogen produced by the dissociation of C–H bonds in methane leads to a full reduction of Co oxide, Co 3 O 4 → CoO → Co, and a partial reduction of ceria with the formation of some Ce 3+ . Upon the addition of CO 2 , a catalytic cycle for dry reforming of methane (DRM) was achieved on the CoOx–CeO 2 powder catalysts at temperatures below 500 °C. A 10 wt % Co–CeO 2 catalyst was found to possess the best catalytic activity among various cobalt loading catalysts, and it exhibits a desirable stability for the DRM with a minimal effect of carbon accumulation. The phase transitions and the nature of active components in the catalyst were investigated under reaction conditions by in situ time-resolved XRD and ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS). These studies showed dynamic evolutions in the chemical composition of the catalysts under reaction conditions. CO 2 attenuated the reducing effects of methane. Under optimum CO- and H 2 -producing conditions, both XRD and AP-XPS indicated that the active phase involved a majority of metallic Co with a small amount of CoO, both supported on a partially reduced ceria (Ce 3+ /Ce 4+ ). Finally, we identified the importance of dispersing Co, anchoring it onto the ceria surface sites, and then utilizing the redox properties of CeO 2 for activating and then oxidatively converting methane while inhibiting coke formation. Furthermore, a synergistic effect between cobalt and ceria and likely the interfacial sitee are essential to successfully close the catalytic cycle.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Catalytic Conversion of Bamboo Sawdust over ZrO 2 –CeO 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 to Produce Ketonic Hydrocarbon Precursors and Furans

Here, a series of metal oxides including ZrO 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 , CeO 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 , and ZrO 2 –CeO 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 were synthesized and employed to conduct catalytic fast pyrolysis of bamboo sawdust via an analytical pyrolyzer/gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (Py-GC/MS) to produce hydrocarbon precursors such as ketones and furans. Experimental results illustrated that the use of metal oxides enhanced the formation of ketones and monoaromatic hydrocarbons compared to catalyst-free trial. Among the metal oxides, ZrO 2 –CeO 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 exhibited the most significant ketonization and aldol condensation activities yielding the highest concentration of linear and cyclic ketones. In addition, nonacidic oxygenates such as furfural, acetol, butanedial, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran, and methyl acetate, were efficiently converted into hydrocarbon precursors over metal oxides. A dual catalytic bed system integrating ZrO 2 –CeO 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 and HZSM-5 significantly facilitated the production of aromatic hydrocarbons compared to pure HZSM-5 catalytic run. The use of ZrO 2 –CeO 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 mixed with HZSM-5 mode maximized the formation of xylenes, while ZrO 2 –CeO 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 mixed with bamboo sawdust catalytic trial increased the concentration of benzene, toluene, and alkylbenzenes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Growth, sintering, and chemical states of Co supported on reducible CeO 2 (111) thin films: The effects of the metal coverage and the nature of the support

The growth, sintering, and interaction of cobalt with ceria were studied under ultrahigh vacuum conditions by vapor-deposition of Co onto well-defined CeOx(111) (1.5 < x < 2) thin films grown on Ru(0001). Charge transfer from Co to ceria occurs upon deposition of Co on CeO 1.96 and partially reduced CeO 1.83 at 300 K. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies show that Co is oxidized to Co 2+ species at the cost of the reduction of Ce 4+ to Ce 3+ , at a lesser extent on reduced ceria. Co 2+ is the predominant species on CeO 1.96 at low Co coverages (e.g., ≤0.20 ML). The ratio of metallic Co/Co 2+ increases with the increase in the Co coverage. However, both metallic Co and Co 2+ species are present on CeO 1.83 even at low Co coverages with metallic Co as the major species. Scanning tunneling microscopy results demonstrate that Co tends to wet the CeO 1.96 surface at very low Co coverages at room temperature forming one-atomic layer high structures of Co–O–Ce. The increase in the Co coverage can cause the particle growth into three-dimensional structures. The formation of slightly flatter Co particles was observed on reduced CeO 1.83 . In comparison with other transition metals including Ni, Rh, Pt, and Au, our studies demonstrate that Co on ceria exhibits a smaller particle size and higher thermal stability, likely arising from strong metal–support interactions. The formed particles upon Co deposition at 300 K are present on the ceria surface after heating to 1000 K. The Co–ceria interface can be tuned by varying the Co metal coverage, the annealing temperature, and the nature of the ceria surface.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Thermal and mechanical properties of CeO 2

In this study, the thermal and mechanical properties of cerium dioxide (CeO 2 ) were assessed using a range of experimental techniques. The oxygen potential of CeO 2 was measured by the thermogravimetric technique, and a numerical fit for the oxygen potential of CeO 2 is derived based on defect chemistry. Mechanical properties of CeO 2 were obtained using sound velocity measurement, resonant ultrasound spectroscopy and nanoindentation. The obtained mechanical properties of CeO 2 are then used to evaluate the Debye temperature and Grüneisen constant. The heat capacity and thermal conductivity of CeO 2 were also calculated using the Debye temperature and the Grüneisen constant. Lastly, the thermal conductivity was calculated based upon laser flash analysis measurements performed on pellets fabricated using a range of feedstock purities to resolve discrepancies in the existing literature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Construction of a Pt‐CeO x Interface for the Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract The creation of metal‐metal oxide interfaces is an important approach to fine‐tuning catalyst properties through strong interfacial interactions. This article presents the work on developing interfaces between Pt and CeO x that improve Pt surface energetics for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) within an alkaline electrolyte. The Pt‐CeO x interfaces are formed by depositing size‐controlled Pt nanoparticles onto a carbon support already coated with ultrathin CeO x nanosheets. This interface structure facilitates substantial electron transfer from Pt to CeO x , resulting in decreased hydrogen binding energies on Pt surfaces, and water dissociation for the HER, as predicted by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Electrochemical testing indicates that both Pt specific activity and mass activity are improved by a factor of 2 to 3 following the formation of Pt‐CeO x interfaces. This study underscores the significance and potential of harnessing robust interfacial effects to enhance electrocatalytic reactions.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗