Bimetallic Au-Cu/Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 catalysts prepared by deposition-precipitation were tested for steam reforming of methanol (SRM) in the range of 200-500 degrees C. Many effective parameters-Au/Cu atomic ratio, gas pretreatment, total metal loading, and calcination temperature-were investigated and correlated with catalyst properties. At the Au/Cu ratio of 1/3, the homogeneous Au-Cu alloy was found to be active for SRM, while an inhomogeneous or partially developed alloy formation was found after applying H-2 and O-2 pretreatments. There were no significant differences in catalytic activity with different total loadings and calcination temperatures; however, the 7 wt% Au-Cu catalyst calcined at 300 degrees C exhibited complete methanol conversion, 82% H-2 selectivity, and 1% CO selectivity at a low temperature of 300 degrees C. In regards to stability, the bimetallic catalyst displayed a long life, even though coke and metallic copper were formed. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.