Laminated ZrO2-Al2O3 coatings were prepared successfully by electrochemical deposition of ZrO2 and Al2O3 films alternatively in ethanol solutions containing aluminum nitrate and zirconium nitrate. Both solutions contain small amounts of yttrium nitrate. The laminated ZrO2-Al2O3 films have nano-structure. High-resolution microscopy (field-emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) was used to characterize the nano-laminated films, indicating that the deposited zirconia and alumina layers have a composition close to the stoichiometry of ZrO2 and Al2O3. The mechanisms of the electrochemical deposition of the oxide ceramic films are discussed. (c) 2005 The Electrochemical Society.