Catalytic performance of Pd/Ce0.67Zr0.33O2-Al2O3 catalysts for CO, HC and NO elimination is greatly influenced by Pd precursors. Pd/CZA(Cl) catalyst prepared with H2PdCl4 as precursor exhibits a good catalytic performance for HC and NO conversion. PdOx species are mainly dispersed on Al2O3 surface with larger PdOx particle size and higher electron density. Residual Cl species in the catalyst could be removed and PdOx species would migrate to (Ce,Zr)(x)O-2-rich gain surface after aging treatment, promoting catalyst thermal stability. While Pd/CZA(NO) and Pd/CZA(NH) catalysts prepared with Pd(NO3)(2) or Pd(NH3)4(NO3)(2) as precursor promote CO oxidation at low temperature. PdOx species are mainly dispersed on (Ce,Zr)(x)O-2-rich gain surface with smaller Pd particle size and strong Pd-support interaction. Surface chemistry under reaction conditions is revealed by in situ DRIFTS studies. PdOx species dispersed on Al2O3 surface in Pd/CZA(Cl) could be partly reduced during reaction, promoting NO adsorption and dissociation. CO is more easily adsorbed than NO on metallic Pd sites dispersed in (Ce,Zr)(x)O-2-rich gain surface, inhibiting NO conversion for Pd/CZA(NO) and Pd/CZA(NH). (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.