This paper focuses on the effect of Ru and Rh addition to SiO2-supported Co catalysts for the oxidative steam reforming of ethanol to produce hydrogen. Catalysts were tested in the reaction at atmospheric pressure and 623-673 K and characterized by X-ray diffraction, temperature-programmed reduction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy with CO as the probe molecule. A synergistic effect between Co and Rh or Ru was seen in the oxidative steam reforming of ethanol. A study of the deactivation/regeneration of catalysts found that an oxidizing treatment recovered the performance of deactivated bimetallic catalysts. This process could be used in cycles to optimize both ethanol conversion and selectivity toward hydrogen production. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.