Thermal decomposition of cerium triethanolamine complexes to cerium oxide, CeO2, in inert and oxidative atmospheres has been investigated by thermogravimetry combined with infrared evolved gas analysis; the main volatiles formed during thermal decomposition have been identified. Intermediates and final products have been characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction and elemental analysis. Several overlapping steps occurring along decomposition path have been identified and plausible reaction pathways are presented. It will be shown that decomposition starts around 200ºC independently of the atmosphere, but the endset temperature depends on the gas composition: the more inert the atmosphere the higher the endset temperature. Finally, the effect of the temperature and amount of triethanolamine used during compound synthesis is discussed.