Controlled synthesis of CeO2 nanorods by a solvothermal method

Pure phase CeO2 nanorods (about 40-50 nm in diameter and 0.3-2 mu m in length) were synthesized through a solvothermal synthesis method. The addition of ethylenediamine is critical to obtain CeO2 nanorods. Other experimental conditions, such as the solvent composition, surfactant and the cerium source precursor were of importance in the final product morphology. The reaction temperature and reaction time also had significant influence on the yield of CeO2 nanorods. A possible formation mechanism of CeO2 nanorods was discussed mainly based on the dependences of controlling parameters on the final morphologies. In addition, the optical properties of CeO2 nanorods were investigated. The UV-visible adsorption spectrum and photoluminescence spectrum of the CeO2 nanorods showed unusual red-shift and enhanced light emission, respectively.