A series of Au/CuO-CeO2 catalysts were prepared by the different methods in order to investigate the promoting effect of Au on preferential oxidation of carbon monoxide. The composition, structure, elementary valence and reduction behavior of the catalysts were systematically characterized by an array of techniques. It is found that the catalyst prepared by liquid-phase reduction deposition (AuCeCu-lprd) method has the highest low temperature activity and the widest temperature window of complete CO conversion in the as-prepared catalysts, which are attributed to high loading amount of Au, the small size of Au nanoparticles, good reducibility of the support and the presence of Au, from Au3+ reduction on the surface. In addition, the AuCeCu-lprd catalyst displays satisfactory stability at 115 degrees C for 80 h and good resistence to H2O. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC.