Cerium-based oxide coatings

•Cerium-based oxide compounds are known for their wide range of applications, from catalysis to abrasives to biomaterials.•The complex electronic structure and multiple oxidation state of Ce results in unique properties and capabilities.•Fundamental knowledge of nanostructured Ce-based oxide coatings is a needed to expand and develop new uses.

Cerium-based oxide compounds are known for their wide range of applications in catalysis, corrosion prevention, electrochemical cells, photocatalysis, UV absorbers, biomaterials, microelectronics, optical devices, thermal coatings, and glass abrasives. The technological applications of these materials are possible due to a combination of the electronic structure of Ce and the size effects at the nanoscale. In particular, reversible transformation between the Ce(III) and Ce(IV) oxidation states on the surface of cerium oxides is critical to the functionality and potential uses of the materials. In this paper, the main technological applications of cerium-based oxide coatings are reviewed based on the work done to date. Special interest is placed on the emerging trends.