Abstract: Nano zirconia coatings doped different CeO₂ content on 45 steel matrix were successfully fabricated by atmospheric plasma spraying.The microstructure of coatings was characterized by XRD and SEM.The adhesive strength and micro-hardness were tested, and the friction and wear properties of zirconia coatings were investigated.The results indicate the density, adhesive strength and micro-hardness of coatings are inproved with doped cerium oxide.With the cerium oxide increasing, the friction coefficients and wear resistance of zirconia coatings against aluminium bronze increase.The adhesive wear of zirconia coatings increases, while the brittle fracture of zirconia coatings decrease.