Cerium is the most abundant member of the lanthanide series, those elements having 4
f
electrons. It is found in nature in the presence of other lanthanides and this mix is often used commercially as a cerium source without separation. Mischmetal, a metallic mix of cerium and other of the lighter lanthanides, is used in the steel industry, in lighter flints, and as getters. Lanthanide concentrate, an oxide mix that includes cerium oxide, is used in some fluid cracking catalysts.
Cerium is unique within the lanthanide series because it has two stable oxidation states. Many of the uses of cerium and cerium compounds center around the redox chemistry of the Ce(IV)/Ce(III) couple. Cerium oxide acts as a stabilizer improving oxidation resistance for alloy systems, polymers, and automotive catalytic converter catalysts. Cerium compounds are present in optical coatings, in phosphors for cathode ray tubes, and in paints.