Two supported molybdenum carbide catalysts, Mo2C supported on gamma-alumina (Mo2C/gamma-Al2O3) and zirconia (Mo2C/ZrO2), were investigated as an alternative catalyst for steam reforming of methanol. The catalysts were prepared by a temperature-programmed reaction (TPR) method, and it was found that the supported Mo2C catalysts are superior to an unsupported catalyst, With Mo2C/ZrO2 having a higher hydrogen yield than Mo2C/gamma-Al2O3. We hypothesize that the suppression of methanation by interaction between molybdenum carbide and the zirconia support resulted in the increased hydrogen yield. Results from diffuse-reflectance infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS) suggested that the ability of the zirconia support to retain methoxy groups while resisting the formation of hydroxyl groups on its surface is a key factor leading to a molybdenum carbide/zirconia support interaction which suppresses methanation. Under the operating conditions of a steam-to-carbon ratio of I and 400 degrees C, the reforming activity of the Mo2C/ZrO2 catalyst remained stable for longer than 10 h. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.