Steam reforming methods and catalysts

A composition comprising: Mg and Al containing spinel material; and having a hydrothermal stability such that the composition maintains a surface area of at least 10 m2/g after treatment at 925° C. and 15 atm H2O, for 100 hours.

A steam reforming catalyst, comprising: a Mg and Al containing spinel support; and Rh supported on the surface of the support; and the catalyst having a stability and reactivity such that, when tested in a flowing stream of methane and water in a water:methane ratio of 3 at 15 atm, a catalyst temperature of 880° C., and a contact time of 5 ms or less that is adjusted to obtain a methane conversion (after 100 hours TOS) of 70%, and maintaining the same conditions for 1000 hours, there is a continuous period of at least 400 hours in which the methane conversion changes by 3% or less.