A catalyst based on alumina-supported nickel was synthesized in powder and film form. The alumina support was prepared by a suspension (slurry) coating technique. Afterwards, nickel was added by impregnation, using Ni(NO3)(2)center dot 6H(2)O as precursor. Adherent, porous, thick (25 mu m) PF alumina films were successfully deposited on microstructures. Initial activity tests regarding the steam reforming of iso-octane at a SIC ratio of 2.34 were performed with the catalyst in powder form in a fixed bed reactor. The chosen reaction conditions were intended to attain full hydrocarbon conversion, in order to represent as close as possible the probable operating conditions in a microreactor for on-board hydrogen production. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.