Co_3O_4-CeO_2 Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Characterization

Co3O4-Ce O2 nanoparticles with increasing Co/Ce atomic ratio were prepared by wet impregnation and characterized by means of X-ray photoelectron. Co3O4 is prevalent in the samples with lower cobalt content, whereas Co3O4 is the main presence at high Co/Ce atomic ratios.Ce O2 is slightly reduced: Ce(III) is evident at the interface supported/ supporting oxide.X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy allowed us to obtain interesting information concerning particle dimensions and growing morphology. New acidic/basic sites are evident on the surface of the nanocomposites; this is particularly evident in the samples with lower cobalt content.