Steam reforming of acetic acid as a model compound present in bio-oil over Pt/ZrO2 catalysts has been investigated. Pt/ZrO2 yields steam reforming products (i.e., H-2, CO, CO2) to the amounts predicted by thermodynamic equilibrium; however, conversion and yields dropped rapidly with time on course. The deactivation was due to blockage of active sites by coke/oligomer formed. This report clarifies cause of the deactivation during steam reforming of acetic acid. It was found that many products can be formed from acetic acid on ZrO2, such as acetone. The experimental results confirmed that aldol condensation of acetone took place on ZrO2 to give larger compounds which can easily become deposits to block active sites for steam reforming. In order to develop durable catalysts for steam reforming of bio-oil, support should be designed to enhance activation of water. minimize dehydration reactions and thus oligomer formation. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.