A modified Pechini method was used to prepare alumina-zirconia mixed oxides at three different molar ratios. For comparison, pure alumina and pure zirconia were prepared using the same method. The mixed oxides were characterised by the BET method for surface area, X-ray diffraction, CO2 and NH3 temperature-programmed desorption. Elimination of 2-propanol was used as a probe reaction to characterise the surface of the mixed oxides. The modified Pechini preparation resulted in a poor acid-base strength of alumina surface resulting in high acetone selectivity where imperfect crystal structure of the tetragonal zirconia favoured high propylene production in 2-propanol elimination at 200 degrees C.