Catalysts based on the foam metals (silver and copper) were studied in the processes of partial oxidation of methanol, ethanol and ethylene glycol. The experiments showed that the foam catalysts have high gas permeability, mechanical strength, thermostability and catalytic properties exceeding the ones of the traditional crystal and granular metal catalysts. Electronic states of silver and copper on the surface of the catalysts were studied by the method of diffuse reflectance electron spectroscopy in UV-VIS range.