Catalytic systems based on Ni supported on ZnAl 2 O 4 spinel phase modified by CeO 2 were prepared by a sol–gel method and characterized by different techniques such as thermal gravimetry (TG), BET, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), NH 3 DTP, X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, TPO and Raman spectroscopy. The ethanol steam reforming reaction was studied at atmospheric pressure in the temperature range 400–700°C. The coke deposition depended strongly on the reaction temperature and the Ce/Ni ratio. The catalyst with 10% ceria exhibited interesting catalytic properties regarding carbon deposition. At 500°C the presence of Ce slightly modified the product distribution but inhibited the filament formation. When the reaction temperature was high (700°C) the catalytic performance was similar in catalysts with and without Ce and hydrogen selectivity was about 90%.