The oxidation of carbon black, CB, in presence of CeO2 is investigated to gain a better understanding of the effect of the contact between the two solids during this reaction. Different CB/CeO2 mixtures are tested in a fixed bed reactor. The experimental data are used to propose a model for CB oxidation in presence of CeO2. It accounts for the size distribution of CeO2 particles, the contact area between CB and CeO2, the mass of CB in the sample and the initial ratio CB/CeO2. Corresponding kinetic parameters are determined. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.