Molecular nanoparticles of cerium dioxide: structure-directing effect of halide ions

Abstract

The use of halide ions in the synthesis of Ce/O clusters diverts the reaction to two halide-containing products: Cl⁻ gives a new Ce₂₀ nuclearity with both a high 1 : 1 Ce³⁺ : Ce⁴⁺ ratio and a high percentage of (100) facet coverage, whereas F⁻ gives a known Ce₆ nuclearity. Both products include bridging halide ions and are thus the first confirmation of non-oxo (OH⁻/O²⁻) anion incorporation onto the Ce/O cluster core.