In situ formation of reduced graphene oxide structures in ceria by combined sol-gel and solvothermal processing

Abstract

Raman and IR investigations indicated the presence of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-like residues on ceria nanoparticles after solvothermal treatment in ethanol. The appearance of such structures is closely related to cerium tert-butoxide as precursor and ethanol as solvothermal solvent. The rGO-like residues improve the catalytic CO oxidation activity. This was also confirmed by introduction of "external" graphene oxide during sol-gel processing, by which the rGO structures and the catalytic activity were enhanced.