Several Ni-based catalysts supported on a mixture of MgO, La2O3, and Al2O3 were prepared. The catalytic performance in the steam reforming of m-cresol was evaluated. In the investigation of the effect of Ru loading added to the Ni-catalyst, it was found that the presence of Ru strongly enhances the catalytic performance of the Ni-based catalyst when increasing Ru loading up to 2 wt%. Effect of Ni loading to the Ru-based catalyst system was also investigated. It was found that the addition of nickel to the Ru-based catalyst up to 15 wt% enhanced significantly the catalytic activity of the catalyst. The lifetime of the Ru-Ni catalysts in the reforming of m-cresol was further tested at 750 degrees C. In agreement with general observations of the use of Ni monometallic catalyst, deactivation of the catalyst due to the carbon deposition reaction already occurred in the reforming of the oxygenated compound. On the other hand, a reasonable high resistant on the carbon deposition in the reforming of m-cresol was given by the 2 wt% Ru-15 wt% Ni catalyst system. An effort in improving the strength of the catalyst support with this catalyst system was also conducted, and the catalyst showed significant increase in the stability of the reforming of oxygenated aromatic compound. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.