The promoting effect of Sn on the catalytic performance of supported Ni catalyst in the reaction of glycerol steam reforming was studied. The physico-chemical properties of the prepared samples were investigated by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), BET surface area, in situ Xray diffraction (XRD), laser Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO) techniques. The characterization results of the samples after reduction treatment (in the same conditions than the activation before catalytic activity measurements) revealed the formation of Ni Sn alloy. The Sn-doped catalyst exhibited a high activity and it was demonstrated that the Sn addition increase the catalyst stability and durability by decreasing the coke deposition. (C) 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.