Soft-chemistry routes were used to synthesize Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95-based powders with attractive and stable structural, morphological, and textural properties. In the intermediate temperature range between 500 degrees and 700 degrees C, the average Gd-doped CeO2 (CGO) crystallite size is in the range 9-22 nm and the specific surface area varies from 43.4 to 8 m(2)/g. Above 700 degrees C, a phase separation occurs between ceria and gadolinium oxide. Addition of alumina was found to be useful in stabilizing the CGO nanocrystallites at a high temperature and to avoid phase separation. A homogeneous dispersion of Pt nanoparticles (< 10 nm at 1000 degrees C) in the CGO materials was found to be possible by post-impregnation, although direct insertion of the Pt precursors during the synthesis led to aggregated particles, with less potential for catalytic applications.