CeO2-based catalysts for photocatalytic degradation of volatile organic compounds: A comprehensive review

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are hazardous air pollutants that pose significant risks to human health, highlighting the need for efficient and sustainable removal technologies. While titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) has long been the dominant photocatalyst for VOCs degradation, cerium dioxide (CeO 2 ) has emerged as a promising alternative due to its unique Ce 3+ /Ce 4+ redox behavior and abundant oxygen vacancies. However, its photocatalytic efficiency is often limited by poor light absorption and rapid charge recombination. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the design and modification of CeO 2 -based catalysts for VOCs degradation, including morphology modification, metal and non-metal doping, defect engineering, and heterostructure construction. It also identifies key factors affecting degradation efficiency, such as relative humidity, types of VOCs, concentration of VOCs, airflow rate, and light source. Furthermore, the review discusses emerging strategies to enhance catalyst performance. By integrating materials design with an analysis of these key factors, this review provides a comprehensive and forward-looking perspective on the development of advanced CeO 2 -based photocatalysts for VOCs removal. • Reviews photocatalytic removal of VOCs over CeO 2 -based catalysts. • Summarize the modification strategies for CeO 2 in existing studies. • Explains mechanisms of photocatalytic VOCs oxidation systematically. • Discusses factors and advanced catalyst designs for VOCs removal. • Highlights the pros and future study in VOCs photocatalytic technology.