Novel Co (10%) catalysts supported on ZnO and promoted with Fe and Mn (1%) were synthesized and characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). Their catalytic activity for steam reforming of ethanol was compared with that of Ni catalysts supported on La2O3-Al2O3. Experiments at 400 and 500 degrees C, steam to carbon ratios of 2 and 4, and a wide interval of contact time were analyzed following a multifactorial experimental design. At 500 degrees C and a steam to carbon molar ratio of 4, complete conversion of ethanol was achieved above a contact time of 200 g min mol(-1) for all catalysts. The ratio of selectivity between hydrogen and methane was around 23 mol(H2)/mol(CH4) in the Co catalysts, while it approached the thermodynamic equilibrium (5.7 mol(H2)/mol(CH4)) in the Ni catalysts. The Co catalysts do not promote methane-forming reactions like ethanol cracking and acetaldehyde decarbonilation, nor (to they facilitate the reverse methane steam reforming reaction. The catalytic behavior of cobalt is enhanced by promotion with iron or manganese through the formation of bimetallic particles, which facilitates cobalt reducibility. This suggests that Co-Mn/ZnO and Co-Fe/ZnO catalysts have a good potential for their use for ethanol reforming at moderate temperature. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.