Adsorption of nano-ZrO2 (size 8-10 nm) on oxidized stainless steel has been studied. The adsorption behavior was seen to be influenced by composition of the oxidized surface and the surfactant in the aqueous medium. It was observed that the Fe2O3 phase on the surface is most favorable oxide for attracting ZrO2 nano particles in suspension. XPS, XRD and TEM techniques have been used for the above study.