The dynamic shape of ceria nanoparticles

Ceria with other oxides constitutes an important class of catalysts that can exchange oxygen rapidly under variable reducing or oxidizing conditions. Surfaces play a crucial role in many of the catalytic applications of cerium-based oxides. The bond breaking and formation between cerium and oxygen lead to the surface layer reconstruction of the nanoparticles, accompanied by shape changes. Here we show by direct atomic imaging of the dynamic surface rearrangement of cerium ions on ceria nanoparticles during in situ observation in an atomic resolution transmission electron microscope.