In this work, the preparation and performance of a zirconia microspheres inorganic exchanger in uptake of nickel and copper ammoniacal solution is showed. The yield of retention of the metallic ions was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy analysis (ICP-AES). Microspheres were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), gas adsorption (BET). The catalyst of 6%Ni/3%Cu/ZrO2 exhibits high activity for ethanol steam reforming with conversion of ethanol of 100% and selectivity of hydrogen of 60% at 550 degrees C. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.