Analysis of admixed CeO2 nanoparticles via TEM and x-ray diffraction techniques

Abstract

The techniques used to identify nanoparticle size and shape characteristics are of vital importance in the development of functional nanoparticles. Each technique offers different advantages; this work compares the two techniques of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis by characterising CeO2 nanoparticle specimens. Whole Powder Pattern Modelling (WPPM) is used to quantify the specimen dislocations and size characteristics from XRD data. Using admixed samples we test and extend the techniques. We show that XRD accurately characterises small crystallite distributions and that larger crystallite distributions necessitate further investigation.