Cerium(IV) Oxide (CeO₂)  High-Performance Rare Earth Oxide

Cerium(IV) Oxide, also called ceric oxide or simply cerium dioxide, is a pale yellow-white rare earth oxide with a wide range of industrial, chemical, and polishing applications.

🧾 Basic Information:

• Chemical Formula: CeO₂
• Oxidation State of Cerium: +4
• Molar Mass: 172.11 g/mol
• Appearance: Pale yellow-white fine powder
• Melting Point: ~2,400 °C
• Insoluble in water; soluble in acids

⚙️ Main Applications:

✅ Glass and Optical Polishing

• Most popular use: ultra-fine abrasive for glass, mirrors, camera lenses, and windshields
• Replaces traditional polishing agents like iron oxide

✅ Catalysis

• Used in automotive catalytic converters to reduce NOₓ and CO emissions
• Acts as an oxygen buffer due to its redox property (Ce⁴⁺ ↔ Ce³⁺)

✅ Fuel Cells and Electronics

• Used in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) as an electrolyte or electrode component
• Employed in semiconductors, solar cells, and as a dielectric in electronics

✅ UV Absorption and Coatings

• Added to UV-resistant coatings and ceramics
• Sometimes used in sunscreen formulations (as nano-CeO₂)

🧪 Chemical Properties:

• Strong oxidizing agent in acidic conditions
• Under reducing environments, CeO₂ can be partially reduced to Ce₂O₃
• High oxygen storage capacity (OSC), useful in dynamic catalytic systems

⚠️ Safety & Handling:

• Generally low toxicity but inhalation of fine dust should be avoided
• Use standard PPE: gloves, goggles, dust mask when handling powder
• Store in a cool, dry, and ventilated area