Gold catalysts on Y-doped ceria dispersed on high surface area gamma-Al2O3 were synthesized and tested in preferential CO oxidation in hydrogen rich stream (PROX). The effect of ceria loading (10, 20 or 30 wt%) was studied. The gold catalyst with the lowest ceria amount exhibited the highest PROX activity. The addition of Y2O3 (1 wt%) led to improved performance. The most favorable effect was observed in the sample with 20 wt% ceria amount. This gold catalyst showed good PROX activity and stability in the presence of CO2 and water. Catalysts characterization by XRD, HRTEWHAADF, XPS and H-2-TPR was used to elucidate the relationship between the chemical composition, state of gold, support features and catalytic properties. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.