Can you please specify at which point you are interested in things going beyond the corresponding wikipedia entry?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerium(IV)_oxide

Ceria is a.o. used as a polishing agent in CMP slurries (for Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) and Interlayer Dielectric (ILD) polishing). These are nanoparticles (typic. 30-80 nm particles). Ceria (as macroparticles) is also added to certain types of glass.

Cerium oxide, also known as ceria or cerium(IV) oxide (CeO2), is a compound composed of the elements cerium and oxygen. It possesses several interesting properties that make it useful in various applications. Here are some key properties of cerium oxide:

Oxidation state: Cerium in cerium oxide can exist in both +3 and +4 oxidation states. This redox property allows ceria to readily switch between the two states, making it an excellent catalyst for redox reactions.

Oxygen storage capacity: Cerium oxide exhibits high oxygen storage capacity due to its ability to store and release oxygen within its crystal lattice. This property makes it useful in catalytic converters for reducing vehicle emissions.

Thermal stability: Ceria has excellent thermal stability, making it suitable for applications requiring high-temperature environments, such as in solid oxide fuel cells, thermal barrier coatings, and refractory materials.

Ionic conductivity: Cerium oxide exhibits ionic conductivity, meaning it can conduct oxygen ions at high temperatures. This property enables its use in solid oxide fuel cells and oxygen sensors.

Chemical inertness: Ceria is chemically inert, making it resistant to corrosion and stable in harsh environments. This property is advantageous for applications involving chemical processing, fuel cells, and gas sensors.

Chemical inertness: Ceria is chemically inert, making it resistant to corrosion and stable in harsh environments. This property is advantageous for applications involving chemical processing, fuel cells, and gas sensors.

Now let's discuss some applications of cerium oxide based on its properties:

Catalysis: Ceria is widely used as a catalyst in various industrial processes. Its redox properties, oxygen storage capacity, and high surface area make it valuable for catalyzing reactions such as automobile exhaust treatment, water splitting, and organic synthesis.

Automotive catalysts: Cerium oxide is a key component in catalytic converters used in vehicles. It helps in the oxidation of harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), into less harmful substances, thereby reducing air pollution.

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs): Ceria-based materials are employed in SOFCs as an electrolyte or electrode component. Their ionic conductivity at high temperatures enables the efficient transport of oxygen ions, enhancing the performance of the fuel cell.

UV absorber: Cerium oxide nanoparticles have the ability to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation, making them useful in sunscreen and cosmetic products to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.

Glass polishing: Due to its hardness and chemical inertness, ceria is employed in glass polishing applications. Cerium oxide slurries or powders are used to remove scratches and imperfections from glass surfaces, such as optical lenses and display screens.

Ceramics and refractory materials: The thermal stability and chemical resistance of cerium oxide make it suitable for use in high-temperature applications, including ceramics, refractory coatings, and crucibles.

Gas sensors: Ceria-based materials can be used in gas sensors to detect gases such as carbon monoxide, methane, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The oxygen storage capacity of ceria facilitates the sensing mechanism.