The surface, structural, redox and catalytic properties of the catalysts obtained by the nanocasting technique with the use of silica mesoporous template were investigated. Ethanol conversion approached 100% at 420 degrees C for supported and 66% for unsupported cobalt catalysts, respectively. Complete conversion of ethanol was recorded at 480 degrees C for both catalysts. In such conditions, the unsupported system showed high hydrogen yield and low selectivity to CH(3)CHO, CO and CH(4). (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.