Complex catalysts containing combinations of copper, zinc, zirconium, and palladium oxides were prepared via three combustion synthesis routes including volume combustion, impregnated substrate combustion, and so-called second wave impregnation combustion methods. These catalysts were characterized via XRD, XPS, N2O decomposition and BET techniques and evaluated for their activity and selectivity for the partial oxidation of methanol. The novel second combustion wave method showed superior palladium active metal loadings compared to conventional volume combustion synthesis modes. Palladium is also shown to significantly lower the reduction temperature of bulk CuO. Combustion synthesis based methods show promise for synthesis of methanol reforming catalysts.