Acquired superoxide-scavenging ability of ceria nanoparticles

Ceria nanoparticles (nanoceria) are well known as a superoxide scavenger. However, inherent superoxide‐scavenging ability has only been found in the nanoceria with sizes of less than 5 nm and with very limited shape diversity. Reported herein is a strategy to significantly improve the superoxide‐scavenging activity of nanoceria sized at greater than 5 nm. The nanoceria with sizes of greater than 5 nm, with different shapes, and with a negligible Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ ratio can acquire remarkable superoxide‐scavenging abilities through electron transfer. This method will make it possible to develop nanoceria‐based superoxide‐scavengers with long‐acting activity and tailorable characteristics.