The new catalyst, Al2O3 center dot Na2O center dot xH(2)O/NaOH/Al(OH)(3), was made by means of hydrolyzation and hydration of sodium aluminum oxide (Al2O3 center dot Na2O). Hydrogen and hydrogen-lich gas were produced through the reaction of cellulose with the catalyst and steam. In order to avoid production of tar, the gasification temperature is controlled at <= 673 K. The temperature of producing hydrogen is controlled at about 473-623 K. The conversion degree of hydrogen from cellulose at about 473-673 K could come up to 59.63%. The production of hydrogen-rich gas was set at about 673 K. The gasification residue could be used as material for combustion. Al2O3 center dot Na2O could be regenerated from the byproducts Al2O3 and Na2CO3 produced in the combustion process. The catalyst could be re-prepared from the regenerative Al2O3 center dot Na2O. (C) 2008 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.