Cerium (IV) oxide (chemical formula: CeO2) is an oxide of the rare earth metal cerium. It appears as yellow-white powder. It is an important intermediate during the purification of the Ce element from the ores. It is mainly used in formulations in industry as a high-precision polishing agent for glass products. It can also be used in infrared filters, and used as an oxidizing compound in the catalytic converters as well as a replacement for thorium dioxide in the incandescent mantles. It can also be used as oxidation catalyst due to its interconvertibility, e.g. in oxidation of the natural gas in gas mantles. It can also be used as a mixed conductor due to its significant ionic and electronic conduction. It can be manufactured by the calcination of cerium oxalate or cerium hydroxide.
Cerium Oxide, also called Ceria, is widely applied in glass, ceramics and catalyst manufacturing. In glass industry, it is considered to be the most efficient glass polishing agent for precision optical polishing. It is also used to decolorize glass by keeping iron in its ferrous state. The ability of Cerium-doped glass to block out ultra violet light is utilized in the manufacturing of medical glassware and aerospace windows. It is also used to prevent polymers from darkening in sunlight and to suppress discoloration of television glass. It is applied to optical components to improve performance. High purity Ceria are also used in phosphors and dopant to crystal.