Performance of Co-Fe/Al2O3 catalysts with the optimum composition (Fe/Co = 0.25) was much higher than corresponding monometallic Co and Fe catalysts in the steam reforming of tar from the pyrolysis of cedar wood in terms of the catalytic activity and the suppression of coke deposition. According to the catalyst characterization, the fcc and bcc Co-Fe alloys were formed by H-2 reduction on the Co-Fe/Al2O3 catalyst. In the steam reforming of toluene. the addition of H-2 to the reactant gas enhanced the activity of Co-Fe/Al2O3 remarkably. Without H-2 addition, bcc Co-Fe alloy particles were oxidized and this is connected to the deactivation. With H-2 addition, the bcc Co-Fe alloy with an appropriate composition is maintained in metallic state and it contribute to high activity in the steam reforming of toluene. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.