Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles

Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles have a wide range of applications. Cerium oxide (IV) is a white or pale yellow inorganic solid produced by the oxidation of cerium. The chemical formula for ceric oxide is CeO₂. CeO₂ nanoparticles have been found to work by removing free radicals, such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl, and nitric oxide radical. They can protect biological tissues from radiation-induced damage, laser-induced retinal damage, increase the life span of photoreceptor cells, reduce spinal injury, reduce chronic inflammation, and promote angiogenesis or blood vessel formation. Additionally, certain nanofibers containing Cerium Oxide nanoparticles have been shown to be toxic against bacterial strains, being promising candidates for bactericidal applications. Furthermore, Cerium Oxide is an electrically insulating material due to its excellent chemical stability, high relative permittivity (it has a high tendency to polarize when an electric field is applied) and a silicon-like crystal lattice. It has also found application in capacitors and damping layers of superconducting materials.