The effect of metal and support on ethanol oxidative steam reforming (OSR) has been investigated over a series of stable and active catalytic systems with noble (Rh or Ir) and non noble metal (Ni-Cu) supported over neutral (SiO 2 ), amphoteric (Al 2 O 3 ) or redox (CeO 2 ) supports. Ethanol decomposition and oxidative steam reforming was investigated by in situ diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy under temperature-programmed desorption and surface reaction conditions. Different mechanisms were established for these systems, from the initial steps of ethanol activation to the final equilibration of the decomposition products CO, CO 2 , H 2 and H 2 O. Various intermediates such as formates, acetates and/or carbonates were found to play different roles depending on the catalyst composition. The stability and activity of the investigated systems were finally assigned to specific features of these mechanisms.