Synthesis of nanocrystalline cerium oxide by high energy ball milling

We have synthesized pure nanocrystalline CeO₂ powders of nearly spherical shape using high-energy attritor ball mill. Milling parameters such as the milling speed of 400 rpm, ball to powder ratio (40:1), milling time (30 h) and water cooled media were determined to be suitable for synthesizing nanosize (～10 nm) powders of CeO₂. The powders after milling for various durations (up-to 50 h) were characterized by X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectrometry and Transmission Electron Microscopy. An average particle size of 10 nm was obtained at 30 h milling, after which the particle agglomeration started, and a mixture of nanocrystalline and amorphous phase was observed after 50 h milling.