Surface modification of CeO2−ZrO2 solid solutions took place using formation and transport
of volatile vapor complexes such as AlCl3−CeCl3 and AlCl3−ZrCl4, which was denoted as
“chemical filing.” XPS analysis showed surface Ce enrichment, and transmission electron
microscopy and Raman spectra revealed that a defective phase was formed on the surface
of the samples by the chemical filing. The reduction temperature of the samples after the
chemical filing was about 50 K lower than that of the fresh sample and further decreased
by a reduction/reoxidation cycle. The redox property of the chemically filed sample was
maintained even after the redox cycles at high temperatures, indicating its excellent
durability compared to the solid solution prepared by a conventional procedure.