Powder preparation and UV absorption properties of selected compositions in the CeO2-Y2O3 system

Several approaches have been investigated to prepare fluorite-type compositions within the (1-x) CeO{sub 2}-xYO{sub 1.5} system. The optical properties of the resulting modified-ceria materials have been characterized in order to evaluate their potential abilities as inorganic UV absorbers. Diffuse reflectance analyses reveal a strong optical absorption between 390 and 400 nm for all substituted compositions and the spectral selectivities are estimated suitable for the targeted application. Additionally, time resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC) and phenol photodegradation analyses do not indicate any photocalatytic activity for these compositions. Aqueous colloidal suspensions of the Ce{sub 0.7}Y{sub 0.3}O{sub 1.85} UV absorber have been carried out. - Graphical abstract: Comparison between diffuse reflectance spectra of ceria (x=0) and yttrium modified ceria (x=0.3)