In situ spectroscopic insights into the redox and acid-base properties of ceria catalysts

Cerium oxide (ceria) plays an important and fascinating role in heterogeneous catalysis as illustrated by its versatile use a catalyst, catalyst support, or promotor various oxidation reduction reactions. Central to these reactions is the rich defect chemistry, facile redox capability, unusual acid-base properties of ceria. Understanding unique ceria essential build structure-catalysis relationship so that improved catalytic functions can be achieved for ceria-based materials. Among characterization toolbox, spectroscopic approach indisputably stands out unparalleled power offering chemical insights into surface at atomic molecular level. In this review, we summarize advances revealing via variety methods including optical, X-ray, neutron, electronic nuclear spectroscopy. Both direct spectroscopy coupling with probe molecules are analyzed illustrate how nature, strength density different sites influenced pretreatment, morphology size nanoparticles. Further directions taking advantage situ/operando better understanding materials proposed summary outlook section.