The ability to modify aged three-way catalysts (TWC) by regaining part of the fresh catalyst surface structure has been verified by both bulk and surface-sensitive characterisation techniques. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX) techniques were applied to fully evaluate the efficiency of a regeneration procedure of commercial three-way catalysts targeting the washcoat surface. The regeneration comprised combined thermal and liquid chlorine treatments. Structural changes of the washcoat were further investigated with nitrogen adsorption-desorption (BET) and Laser Ablation methods. The investigation showed that the regeneration treatments resulted in an enrichment of the washcoat surface with palladium, thereby increasing the number of catalytically active surface sites. Furthermore, the observed removal of phosphorous and sulphur contaminants resulted in an increase of the relative amount of small pores between 1 and 10 nm and washcoat surface area. An increased catalytic activity regarding CO, NOx, and HC emissions was observed after regeneration. providing proof of the proposed concept. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.