The worldwide effort to reduce the harmful effects of automotive exhaust has witnessed impressive progress over the past few decades. There has been a sustained interest in the development of new catalysts. Three-way catalysts (TWCs) constitute the most satisfactory and efficient solution to reduce pollutant emissions from automobiles. In this context, the research focus has been aimed at the development of more efficient catalyst with high level of heat resistance to ensure stability and reliability in long-term service. Cerium oxide was recognized as indispensable to the success of TWCs, due to its ability to change the oxidation states at the surface. This enables it to "store" and "release" oxygen in response to changes in the gas phase composition. This book is based on a comprehensive research study which provides an insight on the development of nano-sized ceria-lanthana solid solutions for the oxidation of CO and soot, and other catalytic applications. This book provides valuable information on correlations between the structural properties and catalytic performance.

Dr. Lakshmi was a DAAD fellow to RUB, Germany. She finished her doctoral thesis under the supervision of Dr. B.M. Reddy, Chief Scientist at Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, India.