Catalytic Activity of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles

Abstract

Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles present an interesting material for various applications in biotechnology and medicine. The mechanism of CeO2 nanoparticles biological activity is supposed to be related to the presence both Ce 3+ and Ce 4+ ions on the surface of the nanocrystal. We studied and compared the catalytic activity of CeO2 nanoparticles synthesized by chemical and physical methods. The cerium oxide was found to demonstrate catalase-like and peroxidase activity. CeO2 nanoparticles obtained by a chemical method showed more pronounced catalytic properties. In addition, this material catalyzed the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by the enzyme horseradish peroxidase.