UV absorption properties of ceria-modified compositions within the fluorite-type solid solution CeO2–Y6WO12

A new fluorite-type solid solution domain has been evidenced in the system (1−x) CeO2−x/7 Y6WO12□2 using the amorphous citrate route. All the studied phases (0⩽x⩽1) crystallize in a cubic-type symmetry. Diffuse reflectance spectra reveal a strong optical absorption between 380 and 400 nm. All substituted compositions spectral selectivities are estimated suitable for application as inorganic UV absorbers. The non linear variation observed in the optical gap values between Y6WO12 and CeO2 is attributed to the presence of the cerium 4f-block band. Additionally, Time Resolved Microwave Conductivity (TRMC) experiment and phenol photodegradation analyses carried out on the Ce0.81Y0.16W0.03O1.95□0.05 (x=0.19) composition do not indicate any photocalatytic activity for this material.