Gold (Au) supported on CeO2-Fe2O3 catalysts prepared by the deposition-coprecipitation technique were investigated for steam reforming of methanol (SRM). The 3 wt% Au/CeO2-Fe2O3 sample calcined at 400 degrees C achieved 100% methanol conversion and 74% hydrogen yield due to a strong Ce-Fe interaction in the active solid solution phase, CexFe1-xO2. The sintering of Au particles was observed when the highest metal content of 5 wt% was registered, which worsened the SRM activity. According to the TPR and TPO analysis, it was found that the transformation of the alpha-Fe2O3 structure in the mixed oxides and the coke deposition were the main factors for the rapid deactivation of the catalyst. Copyright (C) 2012, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.