Cerium-based nanocompounds for UV light absorption application

Light and oxygen induce degradation reactions (photo-oxidation) that modify the physical and chemical properties of the matter. The damaging UV radiation is responsible for the discoloration of dyes and pigments, weathering, yellowing of plastics, loss of gloss and mechanical properties (cracking), sunburnt skin and other problems associated to UV light. UV absorbers or UV filters have been used in order to reduce these damaging effects and achieve an adequate conservation of the properties of the materials. In front of this problem, cerium based nanomaterials are promising inorganic UV absorbers for the substitution of zinc and titanium oxide, once it presents high UV absorptivity, a lower refraction index than TiO2 and ZnO, and a higher chemical inertia (and thus a lower photocatalytic activity). Nanostructured cerium phosphates (CePO4) were prepared by Pechini, hydrothermal and reverse microemulsion synthesis, and some parameters (calcinations temperature and reactants rate) employed in each synthesis were investigated. Cerium metal oxide systems synthesized by sol-gel (non-alcooxide) and applied as powder and thin films materials were investigated too. The methodology of the synthesis were chosen aiming ideal morphology and particles size. In this work we explored and elucidated the properties of UV absorber cerium based nanomaterials , due to 4f-5d transitions of Ce3+ ions, charge transference of Ce4+ and, a little portion is due to the contribution of valence and conduction band. The samples were characterized by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy , Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron diffraction, magnetic susceptibility (MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photocatalytic activity (PA) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The excellent morphological, optical and photocatalytic properties indicate the possible application of cerium based materials in solar protection for cosmetics (creams, shampoos, sprays etc.) or materials (paints, varnishes, glass and others). (AU)