This work focuses on the study of the relationship between oxygen mobility and catalytic activity in the oxidative steam reforming of ethanol (OSRE). The experimental strategy focused on the evaluation of redox properties using techniques such as isotopic oxygen exchange (IE O-18(2)), in addition to the partial oxygen storage capacity and oxygen storage complete capacity (OSC/OSCC) in mixed Ni and Co oxides. The effects of some synthesis parameters such as ultrasound and microwave assistance were also studied, as were the effects of incorporating promoters (Ce-Pr) on the oxygen mobility of the catalysts and their redox properties, establishing that the high mobility of oxygen is directly related to the performance of OSRE.