title: Structural modification of nanocrystalline ceria by ion beams.
abstract: Exceptional size-dependent electronic-ionic conductivity of nanostructured ceria can significantly alter materials properties in chemical, physical, electronic and optical applications. Using energetic ions, we have demonstrated effective modification of interface volume and grain size in nanocrystalline ceria from a few nm up to ∼25 nm, which is the critical region for controlling size-dependent material property. The grain size increases and follows an exponential law as a function of ion fluence that increases with temperature, while the cubic phase is stable under the irradiation. The unique self-healing response of radiation damage at grain boundaries is utilized to control the grain size at the nanoscale. Structural modification by energetic ions is proposed to achieve desirable electronic-ionic conductivity.
authors: Materials Science & Technology Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 4500S (A148), MS 6138, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-6138, USA. Zhangy1@ornl.gov
authors: Yanwen
authors: Y
authors: Zhang
authors: Philip D
authors: PD
authors: Edmondson
authors: Tamas
authors: T
authors: Varga
authors: Sandra
authors: S
authors: Moll
authors: Fereydoon
authors: F
authors: Namavar
authors: Chune
authors: C
authors: Lan
authors: William J
authors: WJ
authors: Weber