Synthesis of magnesium doped ceria (CeO2) nanocrystalline powder by microwave method

Microwave induced combustion process was used to prepare magnesium doped ceria nanocrystalline powder using cerium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, glycine and sorbitol as starting materials. The various composition of cerium nitrate, magnesium nitrate was used to prepare nanocrystalline powder. The resultant nanocrystalline powder was characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. It was found that single phase of pure Mg-doped ceria and the lattice parameter of powders was found that closely agree with ceria. The average crystallite size of the powder was ~3nm to 4nm. SEM and TEM studies also confirm that polycrystalline and agglomerated nanopowder. The optical band gap of the powders from UV-visible spectrum was found to be 2.72 to 2.93eV. Purity and excess of un-reacted fuel content present in the resultant nanocrystalline powder were examined by FTIR spectrum.