Pt loaded MgO, Al2O3, CeO2, TiO2 and SiO2 catalysts were prepared by loading pre-synthesized Pt colloids on support and used for the aqueous-phase reforming (APR) of glycerol to investigate the influence of support properties on catalytic performance. The conversion of glycerol, rate of hydrogen production and composition of gaseous products were measured for the APR process of 5 wt.% glycerol. It was found that the overall catalytic activities for APR of glycerol decreased in the following order for Pt based catalysts: Pt/MgO > Pt/Al2O3 > Pt/CeO2 > Pt/TiO2 > Pt/SiO2. The WGS reactions were also examined over these five catalysts. The relationship between WGS and APR was discussed and found that WGS played a key role in the process of APR, both are related to the surface properties: the basic sites are prefer for water-gas shift and further enhanced the APR process. Typical solid basic magnesium and alumina mixed oxides supporting Pt catalysts were also tested and exhibited the best APR activity. Crown Copyright (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.