Fe-Ru bimetallic nanoparticles were prepared by a microwave irradiation assisted glycol reduction method using poly-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (PVP) as protective agent. The structure and morphology of the nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). EDXA and XRD analysis confirmed the presence of Fe and Ru. The bimetallic nanoparticles were subsequently loaded onto an MgAl(2)O(4) supporter with K(2)O as promoters and used as catalyst for water-gas shift reaction. The results indicated that the FeRu bimetallic nanoparticles exhibit high catalytic activity for water-gas shift reaction due to the synergistic effect between iron and ruthenium. Potassium oxide can enhance the CO selectivity of the catalyst significantly besides increasing the catalyst activity. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.