Nano-ridge and valley structures formed as a result of self-aligned individual ceria nano-crystals, and HRSTEM/EELS revealed the 3-dimensional morphology profiles of the ridge and valley structures of the ceria support. After preparation of a Pt/ceria catalyst, HRSTEM indicated the preferential alignment of Pt nanoparticles inside the nano-valleys of the ceria support. EELS analyses confirmed changes in the oxidation state of ceria in the vicinity of Pt nanoparticles that are present at different depth in the valleys.