XPS and AES analyses of cerium conversion coatings generated on AA5083 by thermal activation

► Cerium conversion coatings were developed on 5083 alloy with thermal activation. ► The heterogeneous coatings were deeply characterised by SEM, EDX, XPS and AES. ► Cerium was only detected over intermetallic particles, not in the alumina layer. ► A mixture of Ce(III) and Ce(IV) hydroxides/oxides is observed in the outer layer. ► Only Ce(III) is detected in the coatings core, possibly due to Ar sputtering.