Aqueous phase reforming of glycerol was studied over a series of gamma-Al2O3 supported metal nanoparticle catalysts for hydrogen production in a batch reactor. Of the metals studied, Pt/Al2O3 was found to be the most active catalyst under the conditions tested. A further systematic study on the impact of reaction parameters, including stirring speed, pressure, temperature, and substrate/metal molar ratio, was conducted and the optimum conditions for hydrogen production (and kinetic regime) were determined as 240 degrees C, 42 bar, 1000 rpm, and substrate/metal molar ratio >= 4100 for a 10 wt% glycerol feed. The glycerol conversion and hydrogen yield achieved at these conditions were 18% and 17%, respectively, with negligible CO and CH4 formation. Analysis of the spent catalyst using FTIR provides an indication that the reaction pathway includes glycerol dehydrogenation and dehydration steps in the liquid phase in addition to typical reforming and water gas shift reactions in the gas phase. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC.