Cerium oxide, also known as ceria, is a powerful chemical compound with a myriad of uses across several industries. Notably, it carries the chemical formula CeO₂, and is characterized by its light yellowish color in its most common form. Being a rare earth metal oxide, cerium oxide is most commonly found in the earth’s crust, but it is also readily synthesized in the lab for various applications.

Applications of Cerium Oxide

Cerium oxide has found its applications in various industries owing to its unique chemical and physical properties. Some of the prominent industries and applications are:

1. Catalysis: Thanks to its excellent oxygen storage and release capabilities, cerium oxide is widely used as a catalyst, particularly in three-way catalytic converters in automobiles to reduce harmful emissions.

2. Polishing: Cerium oxide is used extensively in the glass industry, where it is used to polish high-grade optical surfaces.

3. Electronics: Due to its high refractive index and dielectric constant, cerium oxide has found its way into the field of electronics, particularly in the manufacture of capacitors and resistors.

4. Ceramics: Cerium oxide is used in the production of colored glazes in ceramics. It imparts yellow color to the ceramics.

5. UV Absorber: It can absorb UV rays and is hence used in the production of sunscreens and UV blocking glasses.

6. Medical: Emerging research suggests potential uses of cerium oxide in biomedicine, particularly as a neuroprotective agent due to its antioxidant properties.