Described is a method for the production of metal oxides by flame spray pyrolysis, in particular mixed metal oxides such as ceria/zirconia, and metal oxides obtainable by said method. Due to high enthalpy solvents with a high carboxylic acid content said metal oxides have improved properties. For example ceria/zirconia has excellent oxygen storage capacity at high zirconium levels up to more than 80% of whole metal content.