Supported I'd catalysts exhibit poor selectivity for the steam reforming of methanol, CH3OH + H2O --> 3H(2) + CO2; hydrogen and carbon monoxide are predominantly produced by decomposition of methanol, CH3OH --> 2H(2) + CO. Upon addition of Zn to the supported I'd catalysts, however, the selectivity for the steam reforming is markedly improved. In particular. over Zn-modified I'd catalysts supported on CeO2 and active carbon (AC), the selectivity attained is 99%. The rates of hydrogen formation of Zn-modified Pd/CeO2 and Pd/AC are also enhanced compared with those of Zn-free ones. The selectivity for the steam reforming of Pd/CeO2 is also improved upon the addition of such metals as Cd, In and Ga as well as Zn. These catalytic features may be ascribed to the alloying of Pd with Zn, Cd, In and Ga by the reduction of these modified Pd/CeO2 catalysts. The effect of preparation conditions on the Zn-modified Pd/CeO2 is also investigated. Pd/Zn/CeO2 catalysts prepared by co-precipitation method are more highly active and selective than those prepared by impregnation or deposition-precipitation method. The rate of hydrogen formation of Zn-modified Pd/CeO2 catalyst with Pd/Zn ratio of 1/1.5 prepared by co-precipitation method is highest among the Zn-modified Pd/CeO2 catalysts examined. The Zn-modified Pd/CeO2 catalyst has good thermal stability as well as high activity and selectivity and no deactivation Occurred when the reaction was conducted at 623 K, the temperature at which Cu/ZnO catalyst lost its activity. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.