Embodiments of the present invention provide catalysts for production of hydrogen from methanol. In an embodiment, a Cu/Zn catalyst may be promoted by Zr and/or Ce, in addition to, in embodiments, Pd or another noble metal. In an embodiment, a chemical composition may have a Cu/Zn base catalyst with a promoter element of Ce, Zr, and/or Pd or another noble metal. Methods of producing hydrogen using such catalysts are also provided.