The effect of adding ceria and nickel to Pt/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst was studied for preferential oxidation (PROX) of CO. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, BET, TPR, XRF and H-2 chemisorption techniques. An optimum amount of ceria and nickel was required for improving the activity and selectivity. Adding small amount of ceria (1 wt. %) and/or nickel (1 wt. %) improved the activity and selectivity of 1% Pt/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst. When 1 wt. % of both the promoters i.e. ceria and nickel were added to 1% Pt/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst, a significant improvement was observed in its activity and selectivity. With 1%Pt-1%Ni/1%CeO2/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst, complete CO conversion was obtained even at 100 degrees C for a feed containing 1% CO, 1% O-2, 40% H-2 and balance N-2. This novel catalyst also widened the temperature range of operation for complete CO conversion from 100 to 200 degrees C and no methanation activity was observed in this temperature range. The high activity and selectivity of this catalyst was most likely due to the formation of bimetallic Pt-Ni phase on the catalyst and higher dispersion of Pt metal on the catalyst as observed from H-2 chemisorption. (C) 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.