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An iron oxide over silica-doped alumina catalyst was successfully synthesized using one-pot, solvent-deficient method. The prepared Fe 2 O 3 /SiO 2 −Al 2 O 3 catalyst was characterized using TGA/DTG, XRD, N 2 adsorption isotherm, NH 3 -TPD, and SEM. The TGA/DTG and XRD results show that the presence of Si enhances the stability of γ-Al 2 O 3 support at high temperatures. The prepared Fe 2 O 3 /SiO 2 −Al 2 O 3 catalyst was obtained by calcination at 950 °C, with a high BET specific surface area (49 m 2 /g). The NH 3 -TPD showed that Fe addition can significantly increase catalyst acidity. SEM images confirmed the textural properties of the catalysts in term of surface morphology. The catalytic activity of Fe 2 O 3 /SiO 2 −Al 2 O 3 catalysts was examined in a CREC fluidized riser simulator using toluene as model compound for biomass tar. Experiments with this catalyst yielded high toluene conversions. Composition of gases produced (H 2 , CO, CO 2 , and CH 4 ) were close to chemical equilibrium at 25 s and 600 °C. These results indicate that the Fe 2 O 3 /SiO 2 −Al 2 O 3 catalyst is a promising fluidizable catalyst for tar reduction. This novel supported metal oxide catalyst has a great potential for industrial use since it is a relatively cheap, less toxic, and longlasting operation.

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