Structural-defect formation in CeO2 nanoparticles upon laser ablation

Cerium-dioxide nanoparticles are prepared by laser ablation, and their structure is studied by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray-diffraction analysis. The semiquantitative elemental composition is determined by electron energy-loss spectroscopy. Based on the spectral data obtained before and after annealing of particles, the significant oxygen-vacancy concentration in the structure of ablated CeO2 nanoparticles is established.