ZrO2 sol-gel pre-treatments doped with cerium nitrate for the corrosion protection of AA6060

► We evaluate the cerium nitrate effect on the electrochemical behavior of sol-gel coated AA6060. ► We examine changes in the corrosion behavior of inhibited and non inhibited sol-gel systems. ► By increasing the number of the cerium-containing layers, the cerium effect is better. ► Cerium inhibition is dependent on the compactness of sol-gel layers. ► Cerium nitrate acts when the electrolyte reaches the metal substrate.