The effects of SMSI on m-Cresol hydrodeoxygenation over Pt/Nb2O5 and Pt/TiO2

•Pt catalyst supported on 0.7-nm films of Nb2O5 or TiO2 on MgAl2O4 prepared by ALD.•SMSI induced by high-temperature reduction spontaneously formed an oxide overlayer on Pt surface.•SMSI state of Pt/Nb2O5/MgAl2O4 showed almost 100% selectivity for HDO of m-cresol to toluene.•Pt in SMSI state is more active, selective and stable than bare Pt or Pt in non-SMSI state.•Pt/TiO2 showed catalytic improvement but not as effective as Pt/Nb2O5 counterpart.