A new solid cerium complex, was synthesized by 8-hydroxyquinoline and cerium nitrate in the ethanol-aqueous solution. The complex was characterized by elemental analysis and FTIR. The results indicate that the complex is Ce(C9H6NO)3. The tribological properties of the Ce(C9H6NO)3particles as additive in paraffin oil was investigatedon MRS-10A four-ball tester, the results indicate that Ce(C9H6NO)3particles as additive can be effective in improving anti-wear ability, in enhancing extreme-pressure capacity. The wear scar width can be decreased 0.3mm when the additive in paraffin oil is about 0.25wt.%, when the additive in paraffin oil is about 0.5wt.%, load-carrying capacity can improve 29%. The morphologies, typical element distribution of the worn surfaces were characterized by SEM and EDS, respectively. Its anti-wear mechanism as follows: A permeating layer with rare earth elements was produced in the frictional sub-surface, the layer modified the microstructure and the lubricating state of the frictional surface.