In this work, various latest design ideas and research methods regarding ZrN series ceramic hard films were summarized, the advantages and disadvantages of such research methods were examined, and the research direction of the film was prospected. The influence of advanced preparation methods and process parameters on coating were discussed based on the analysis of ZrN film’s physical and chemical properties. In addtion, the structure, composition, corrosion resistance and wear resistance of gradient films and multilayer films based on the ZrN phase were analyzed and discussed. It pointed out that the multilayer and gradient ceramic films had properties that a single ZrN phase film could not realize, and thus they would still be the research direction of the ZrN phase system ceramic hard film in the future.
