Abstract: According to the invention there is a method of applying a catalyst layer to a surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing a donor substrate having opposing first and second surfaces and providing a catalyst ink disposed as a layer on the second surface, wherein the catalyst ink comprises a catalyst and a solvent; providing an acceptor substrate, wherein the second surface of the donor substrate faces towards the acceptor substrate; and irradiating the catalyst ink with laser radiation at a wavelength which is absorbed by the catalyst ink so as to transfer the catalyst ink from the donor substrate to the acceptor substrate.

Abstract: A process for producing a ceria-zirconia-alumina composite oxide is disclosed. The process comprises combining a cerium (IV) compound and a zirconium (IV) compound with a slurry of aluminum oxide at a temperature greater than 40° C. to produce a reaction slurry, then contacting the reaction slurry with a precipitating agent to precipitate insoluble cerium and zirconium compounds onto the aluminum oxide and form cerium-zirconium-aluminum oxide particles, and calcining the cerium-zirconium-aluminum oxide particles to produce a ceria-zirconia-alumina composite oxide. The process to produce ceria-zirconia-alumina composite oxides provides a material having a high oxygen storage/release capacity that is suitable for a catalyst with enhanced cleaning of the exhaust gases from internal combustion engines.