| abstract |
Disclosed are a silicon-containing cerium composite oxide which is capable of maintaining a large specific surface area even used in a high temperature environment, and which has excellent heat resistance and reducibility, as well as a method for producing the composite oxide and a catalyst for exhaust gas purification employing the composite oxide. The composite oxide contains 2 to 20 mass % silicon in terms of SiO 2 , has properties of exhibiting a specific surface area of not less than 40 m 2 /g as measured by the BET method after calcination at 1000° C. for 5 hours, and a reducibility of not lower than 30% as calculated from measurement of temperature-programmed reduction from 50° C. to 900° C. after calcination at 1000° C. for 5 hours, and is suitable for a co-catalyst for a catalyst for exhaust gas purification. |