ceria zirconia, cerium zirconium, CZ

Ceria-zirconia oxide (Ce_1-xZr_xO₂), as the name describes, is a mixed metal oxide with both cerium and zirconium incorporated into the crystal lattice. Zirconia is combined into CeO₂ to increase the thermal stability of the mixed oxide material. Mixed ceria oxides have the unique property of being able to “store” oxygen in vacancies present in the lattice structure of the metal oxide. This fact is exploited in the treatment of motor vehicle exhaust such that ceria-zirconia oxides can store oxygen during lean burn conditions and release oxygen during rich-burn conditions. The amount of zirconia doped into ceria oxide is dependent on targeted operating temperatures and required oxygen storage capacity. Typical stoichiometric amounts of ceria and zirconia are targeted between Ce_0.6Zr_0.4O₂ to Ce_0.8Zr_0.2O₂ depending on the application requirements. MemPro can manufacture fibers to any specified ratio of ceria to zirconia. Typically, MemPro’s nCeramic ceria-zirconia oxide nanofibers are provided at ratio of Ce_0.67Zr_0.33O₂, which is optimal for usage in catalytic convertors.

Mixed ceria-zirconia oxide nanofibers are supplied as a white crystalline substance. In addition to their use as an advanced catalyst support, mixed ceria-zirconia oxides can be used in hot gas desulfurization (H₂S sequestering) and in fuel cell development where gadolinium can be doped into the mixed oxide nanofiber for electrolyte enhancement. Ceria-zirconia oxides exhibit high fracture durability, exceptional oxygen storage/release capability and as stated previously, are commonly used as a catalyst or as a catalyst carrier. MemPro’s ceria-zirconia oxide nCeramic nanofibers are available with narrow fiber diameter distributions (ave. 100 – 200 nm).