Synthesis, densification and characterization of Ag doped ceria nanopowders

•Nanosized Ag-doped ceria were obtained by a new method.•The solid solubility of Ag into ceria lattice was the highest reported so far.•High-density ceramic free of any additives was obtained at 900 °C for 1 h in air.•Densified samples exhibited well-formed faceted grains.