Cerium-based nanomaterials for photo/electrocatalysis

The localization and incomplete filling of 4f electrons endow cerium (Ce) with the great potential in electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. The unique 5d empty orbital of Ce elements can be used as a hydrogen "trap" site, which is conducive to the recombination of hydrogen ions or atoms and effectively promotes the desorption of hydrogen molecules in electrocatalysis. Meanwhile, due to the stable crystal structure, excellent oxygen mobility, and good optical properties, Ce-based nanomaterials are considered as one of the most desirable photocatalytic catalysts and widely used in atmospheric conditions. Therefore, cerium-based nanomaterials have considerable application prospects in photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. In this review, we summarize the preparation methods of Ce-based nanomaterials, and discuss the application of Ce-based nanomaterials in electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. Among them, electrocatalysis applications include the following: oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), and other electrocatalysis, and photocatalysis applications include HER, CO2RR, photodegradation, and other photocatalysis. Through the summary of present progress in the application of Ce-based nanomaterials in electrocatalytic and photocatalytic reaction, this review provides a reasonable prospect on the Ce-based nanomaterials in electrocatalysis and photocatalysis.