The work aims to summarize the application research of nano-CeO2 in food biochemistry detection, catalysis and fuel cell by comparing the advantages and disadvantages of various preparation methods of nano-CeO2, so as to promote the development of nano-CeO2 and provide reference for its application. The preparation methods of CeO2 were compared and analyzed, including hydrothermal synthesis, precipitation, sol-gel, micro-emulsion and electrochemical deposition. The application of nano-CeO2 in catalysis (catalytic toluene, CO and NOx, photocatalysis), food biochemistry detection (ascorbic acid, glucose, xanthine detection, et al), fuel cell, food packaging and other fields was described. The preparation method of nano-CeO2 was usually hydrothermal synthesis. Nano-CeO2 supported noble metal can be used to prepare bio detection catalyst and fuel cell anode catalyst, nano-CeO2 composite metal oxide can be used in food packaging with anti-UV function. Nano-CeO2 has broad research space in food biochemistry detection, catalysis and fuel cell.