solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) in comparison to zirconium oxide. Thermochemically, the cerium(IV) oxide–cerium(III) oxide cycle or CeO2/Ce2O3 cycle is a two-step water splitting process that has been used for hydrogen production. Because it leverages the oxygen vacancies between systems, this allows ceria in water to form hydroxyl (OH) groups. The hydroxyl groups can then be released as oxygen oxidizes, thus providing a source of clean energy. Optics Cerium oxide has found use in infrared filters, as an oxidizing species in catalytic converters and as a replacement for thorium dioxide in incandescent mantles Welding Cerium oxide is used as an addition to tungsten electrodes for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. It provides advantages over pure Tungsten electrodes such as reducing electrode consumption rate and easier arc starting & stability. Ceria electrodes were first introduced in the US market in 1987, and are useful in AC, DC Electrode Positive, and DC Electrode Negative. Safety aspects Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) have been investigated for their antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Nanoceria is a prospective replacement of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreens, as it has lower photocatalytic activity. See also Cerium Cerium anomaly Zircon References External links Webelements at University of Sheffield Synthesis and properties of ceria (in English/Russian) Oxides Cerium(IV) compounds Catalysts Sunscreening agents Fluorite crystal structure