Pt/CoAl2O4/Al2O3, Pt/CoOx/Al2O3, CoAl2O4/Al2O3 and CoOx/Al2O3 catalysts were studied for combination CO, reforming and partial oxidation of CH4. The results indicate that Pt/CoAl2O4/Al2O3 is more effective, and XRD results indicate that Pt species are well dispersed over the Pt/CoAl2O4/Al2O3. High dispersion is related to the presence of CoA1204, formed during calcining at high temperature before Pt addition. In the presence of Pt, CoAl2O4 in the catalyst could be reduced partially at 973 K. Based on these results, it appears that zerovalent platinum with high dispersion and zerovalent cobalt resulting from CoAl2O4 reduction are responsible for high activity in the Pt/CoAl2O4/Al2O3 catalyst. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.