What is the solution structure of Ce in different oxidation states? An in-situ electrochemical and neutron diffraction study in water

The aqueous coordination chemistry of the f-block is underdeveloped in comparison to the transition metals, but important emerging technologies (e.g batteries) or closed loop recycling strategies that rely on lanthanides do not have sufficient structural or thermodynamic grounding. In the proposal we aim to examine the structure of Ce(III) nitrate and electrochemically oxidise to Ce(IV) nitrate to directly compare the structures (e.g. inner vs outer sphere nitrate coordination; coordination number) and formation constants for any equilibria that may be formed. This will use a newly developed electrochemical cell so all measurements and the bulk electrolysis steps are conducted inside the instrument. The results will be augmented by EXAFS data measured on B18 at Diamond.