An anodic porous film on aluminum was prepared in a mixed electrolyte of phosphoric acid and organic acid and cerium salt. The growth, morphology and chemical composition of the film were investigated. The results indicate that the growth of porous layers in this solution undergo three stages during anodizing, as in other conventional solution, while the whole growth rate is nonlinear. This electrolyte is sensitive to anodizing temperature, which affects current density in great degree. SEM indicates the surface morphology of film is strongly dependent on temperature and current density and its cross-section has two distinct oxide layers. Al, O and P are found in the film with different distribution in the two layers with EPMA. However, Ce has been detected on the outer surface with EDAX. XPS analysis on the electron binding energy of the component elements show the chemical composition of oxide film surface are Al2O3, Ce(OH) and some phosphates. The formation mechanics of Ce compound is also deduced. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.