NOVELTY - A catalyst precursor comprises a support phase impregnated with elemental transition metal(s). The support phase is formed by dispersion of a monolayer on the surface of a high surface area alumina support. The monolayer comprises redox active and inactive metal oxides.    USE - For a catalyst use in the production of hydrogen by steam reforming.    ADVANTAGE - The catalyst is affordable, durable, sulfur-tolerant, coke-resistant, highly active, and selective. It can operate at lower temperatures and enable a more compact processor design, when used in steam reforming. It also meets the power needs of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell powered units by generating, at acceptable rates and operating temperatures, hydrogen from fuels including alcohol and hydrocarbon fuels containing sulfur compounds. It can also perform over extended periods of time when used in steam reforming, has a short start-up time, and generates a gas rich in hydrogen using small catalyst volume. It facilitates hydrogen generation at low temperatures and with minimal formation of 2C or higher hydrocarbons or coke.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A catalyst precursor comprises a support phase impregnated with elemental transition metal(s). The support phase is formed by dispersion of a monolayer on the surface of a high surface area alumina support. The monolayer comprises XOn:YO2.    XOn = redox active metal oxide;    n = 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 depending on the oxidation number of X;    YO2 = redox inactive metal oxide.    INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for:    (a) a catalyst formed by the reduction of the inventive catalyst precursor;    (b) a method of making the inventive catalyst precursor comprising impregnating a support phase with elemental transition metal(s);    (c) a method of making a catalyst comprising reducing the inventive catalyst precursor; and    (d) a process for producing a hydrogen-rich product from a hydrocarbon feed using the above catalyst, where the feed is reacted with steam in the presence of the catalyst.    The catalyst is sulfur tolerant.