Ceria-zirconia binary oxides (CexZr1-xO2) with different Ce/Zr ratios were prepared through a facile co-precipitation method using ammonia as the precipitating agent, and used for the first time as reactive sorbents for degradation of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES). The synthesized samples were characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, BET, TGA-DSC, XPS, as well as CO2-TPD. The results revealed that Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 exhibited the best degradation performance, hence providing its possible applicability as a new reactive sorbent against CWAs. The 2-CEES was destroyed through the hydrolysis and elimination by surface bound alkoxy species formed on the surface of ceria-zirconia binary oxides. The chemisorbed water and the strong basicity were the key factors to the effective degradation of 2-CEES.