Research progress of rare earth (Ce, La, Sm)‐based functional materials in catalytic CO 2 reduction

Abstract Rare earth‐based functional nanomaterials have wide applications in catalytic CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) due to their impressive performance. In particular, the superior oxygen storage and release ability of Ce 4+ /Ce 3+ reversible pairs, the high coordination number and rich coordination geometry of lanthanide (La) metal ions and the unique stereoselectivity of samarium (Sm) reagents have aroused more and more interest among scientists. To enhance the catalytic activity of Ce, La, Sm (CLS)‐based catalysts, recent developments of various modification strategies have been performed to promote the charge transfer and activation of CO 2 . This review constructively discussed the synthesis of modified CLS‐based materials and the corresponding applications in thermal catalytic CO 2 RR, photocatalytic CO 2 RR, and electrocatalytic CO 2 RR. Finally, the current difficulties of these materials and further research on the modification of rare earth‐based catalysts, as well as the potential future development have been identified.