Abstract

Ceria nanoparticles have found many applications due to its optical properties but in order to maximize its absorption potential, doping can be a good strategy for enhancing its performance. In this research, pure ceria and Ag -doped ceria were prepared by the microwave assisted synthesis using ammonium ceric nitrate [(NH4)2Ce(NO3)6] as the precursor, and diethylene glycol (DEG) as the capping agent. The as-synthesised ceria nanoparticles were characterized by UV/Visible spectrophotometer and scanning electron microscope. The undoped and Ag-doped ceria were then tested as a colorimetric sensor for the determination of hydrogen peroxide using UV spectrophotometer and the results revealed that the Ag doped ceria had a lower detection limit (0.1 ppm) compared with the undoped ceria having a detection limit of about 0.5 ppm. These nanomaterials were also immobilized on paper strips and used as colorimetric detector for hydrogen peroxide and the Ag doped still exhibited lower detection than the undoped ceria. These undoped and Ag-doped have potential applications in food storage and safety.