Design, controlled synthesis, and properties of 2D CeO2/NiO heterostructure assemblies

Abstract

Synthetic protocols to generate well-integrated frameworks of known composition are important for the rational design of advanced materials. 3D CeO₂/NiO hierarchical assemblies were designed and constructed with 2D CeO₂/NiO heterostructures as building blocks consisting of NiO nanosheets wrapped with CeO₂ ultrathin nanosheets on the surfaces. The growth process of the 2D CeO₂/NiO heterostructure nanosheets and the 3D assemblies was described based on a domain-matching growth process. The CeO₂/NiO assemblies exhibited superior catalytic properties for CO oxidation. A model of the structure–property relationships based on surface and interface structures is discussed.