The development of efficient and inexpensive catalysts will make bio-oil steam reforming a more economical and promising technology. By comparing the catalytic activities of different coal ashes based on the chemical composition, the effects of AAEM (alkali and alkaline earth metals) and Fe were confirmed. The catalytic activity of coal ash for acetic acid reforming was effectively improved by adding Fe, and superior catalysts of Ni-Fe/ZDA were prepared by further adding 5 and 10 wt% Ni. The carbon conversion of acetic acid and H-2 yield over 10Ni-Fe/ZDA achieved 100% and 89.6% at 700 degrees C, respectively. Copyright (C) 2015, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.