From local structure to macroscopic properties: Mechanism-oriented design of rare earth-doped functional materials

This review elucidates the physicochemical basis underlying the multifunctional regulation enabled by rare earth (RE) elements from the perspective of their intrinsic properties, including electronic configuration, energy-level structure, variable valence behavior and coordination chemistry. Building upon these foundations, the review elaborates on three core regulation mechanisms — intrinsic electronic and defect engineering, dimensional and topological regulation, and multi-field coupling regulation — and their impacts on the optical, electrical, thermal, magnetic, as well as corrosion and moisture resistance properties of functional materials. Subsequently, the diverse applications of RE-doped materials are reviewed across photonic functional materials, energy conversion and storage, catalysis and environmental remediation and extreme-environment protection. Finally, future research directions for RE-doped functional materials are outlined. This review aims to provide theoretical guidance and strategic references for the rational design of high-performance functional materials enabled by RE elements.