来源：ACS Publications
Rare earth elements, characterized by their partially filled 4f orbitals and exceptional electron transfer capabilities, play an irreplaceable regulatory role in both acid-base and redox catalysis, making them indispensable components in the design of heterogeneous catalytic materials. This review systematically summarizes recent advances and current applications of high-abundance light rare earths, such as lanthanum and cerium, in petroleum catalytic cracking, catalytic combustion, automotive exhaust purification, industrial exhaust gas treatment, photo-/electrocatalysis, and fine organic synthesis. With respect to the controllable preparation of porous rare earth catalytic materials with high specific surface areas, five mainstream synthesis strategies, hard templating, soft templating, sol-gel methods, hydrothermal methods, and ion exchange are outlined, and their structural regulation mechanisms and technical adaptabilities are analyzed. Finally, key scientific challenges and future directions are discussed, highlighting that the development of low-cost, high-stability rare earth catalysts represents a core pathway toward the high-value utilization of light rare earth resources.