Test platforms of patterned gold-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles were examined to evaluate catalytic properties as a function of particle size using Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). Gold-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized through a urea co-precipitation method. Cerium oxide nanoparticles exhibit catalytic properties with an emphasis on their high surface-to-volume ratio. High throughput patterning of cerium oxide materials were attained using particle lithography followed by calcination of the material at temperatures up to 800 C. Particle lithography was used to generate a surface test platform of nanopatterns of the cerium oxide nanoparticles. A surface mask of 500 nm silica mesospheres was prepared to define the arrangement of nanoparticles. The AFM mode of KPFM is capable of obtaining measurements with high spatial resolution and is commonly applied to characterize the work function and surface potential of samples Information regarding the electrical and catalytic properties of the sample can be obtained with KPFM, while simultaneously obtaining detailed images of the surface topography. Phase and amplitude images were acquired simultaneously with topographs. Topography frames sensitively disclose fine details of the surface morphology. Studies with KPFM enabled measurements of potential energy differences with nanoscale resolution, tracking differences in the oxidation state of the material. Our goals were to apply scanning probe characterizations of nanoparticle test platforms to investigate catalytic and electrical properties at the level of individual cerium oxide nanoparticles.

Synthesis and AFM characterization of designed nanostructures of transition metal-doped-ceria

251st National Meeting (2016)

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