Structural characterization of nano-sized Fe2O3-CeO2 catalyst by XRD, EDX and TEM techniques

Abstract

Structural characteristics of nanosized iron-ceria mixed oxide catalysts have been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR spectra, thermogravimetry, EDX and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The investigated oxides were obtained by hydrothermal method and were subjected to thermal treatments from 773 oK to 923 oK. The XRD results suggest that the sample primarily consists of nanocrystalline CeO2 phase on Fe2O3. FT-IR gives the information of the chemical bonding and the morphology and particle size by TEM. Deposition of Fe2O3 on the surface of an appropriate oxide support of high specific surface area improves the catalytic activity. The TEM results reveal well-dispersed CeO2 and Fe2O3 nanocrystals.

Keywords

• Nanoparticles
• mixed oxide
• hydrothermal method