A cerium oxide thin layer was electrodeposited onto stainless steel, using mixed room temperature ionic liquid (the 1-methyl-3-butylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide)/ethanol solutions, as electrolytic medium. The hydrophobic ionic liquid content is one of the main parameters in the morphology control influencing the ceria growth rate and crystallinity. Micro-nano structural properties and electrical behaviour are presented, using XRD, SEM/EDS and impedance spectroscopy, as a function of electrodeposition conditions. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.