Cerium molybdate nanocrystals: Microstructural, optical and gas-sensing properties

Metal molybdate compounds have attracted considerable attention due to their technological applications. Herein, we demonstrate the controllable synthesis of cerium (Ce2(MoO4)3) nanocrystals via co-precipitation method followed by microwave-assisted hydrothermal (MAH) treatment at 150 °C during different times (15, 30 and 60 min). The effect MAH time on microstructural, optical, ozone gas-sensing properties these was investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) Raman spectroscopy measurements revealed that samples presented a single-crystalline phase with scheelite-type tetragonal structure. Field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) images showed conditions favored changes in Ce2(MoO4)3 nanocrystal morphology. Photoluminescence (PL) indicated significant enhancement PL time, suggesting an increase intrinsic defects formed treatment. performance towards sub-ppm levels also experiments complete recovery good repeatability as well sensor response, which improved sample synthesized longer time.