Preparation of Cerium Dioxide Powders for Catalyst Supports

Studies of the mechanisms by which cerium dioxide enhances automotive catalyst performance would be facilitated by the use of pure, high‐surface‐area forms of cerium dioxide. A cerium dioxide powder with a BET area of 50 m 2 ·g −1 has been prepared by spray drying an aqueous solution of cerium nitrate, citric acid, and nitric acid. The thermal stability of the BET area at temperatures from 500° to 1100°C has been determined and compares favorably to other CeO 2 powders. Microstructure evolution during thermal treatments is discussed and pelleting procedures are reported.