Doping is a powerful strategy for enhancing the performance
of
ceria (CeO2) nanomaterials in a range of catalytic, photocatalytic,
biomedical, and energy applications. The present review summarizes
recent developments in the doping of ceria nanomaterials with metal
and non-metal dopants for selected applications. The most important
metal dopants are grouped into s, p, d, and f block elements, and
the relevant synthetic methods, novel properties, and key applications
of metal doped ceria are collated and critically discussed. Non-metal
dopants are similarly examined and compared with metal dopants using
the same performance criteria. The review reveals that non-metal (N,
S, P, F, and Cl) doped ceria has mainly been synthesized by calcination
and hydrothermal methods, and it has found applications mostly in
photocatalysis or as a cathode material for LiS batteries. In contrast,
metal doped ceria nanomaterials have been prepared by a wider range
of synthetic routes and evaluated for a larger number of applications,
including as catalysts or photocatalysts, as antibacterial agents,
and in devices such as fuel cells, gas sensors, and colorimetric detectors.
Dual/co-doped ceria containing both metals and non-metals are also
reviewed, and it is found that co-doping often leads to improved properties
compared with single-element doping. The review concludes with a future
outlook that identifies unaddressed issues in the synthesis and applications
of doped ceria nanomaterials.