A bottom-up approach is developed to synthesize Sn, Ce, Mn, or Co promoted NixMg1-O-x catalysts enclosed by Tasker III type polar (1 1 1) facets. Sn and Co are evenly distributed on NixMg1-O-x, whereas Ce and Mn segregate as separate oxides. X-ray diffraction (XRD), N-2 physisorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Transmission Electron Microscopic (TEM) measurements are carried out to understand the structure/composition of both fresh and spent catalysts. H-2-Temperature Programmed Hydrogenation (TPH), XPS and Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) are employed to elucidate the types of coke formed on the spent catalysts. Mn does not show obvious enhancement to catalytic stability towards C-beta formation, and a lower activity is observed as it separates from catalyst surface and causes agglomeration of NixMg1-O-x(1 1 1) platelets. C-beta and whisker carbons are found for Ce-promoted NixMg1-O-x(1 1 1) catalyst, for Ce segregates as CeO2. Both Sn and Co are distinguished to enhance the coke-resistant properties of NixMg1-O-x catalyst in CH4-CO2 dry reforming, as they inhibit the formation of C-beta. Activation energy (E-a) measurements show that Sn lowers the activity of Ni surfaces, while Co does not passivate the intrinsic activity of Ni surfaces. Under more critical reaction conditions with CH4/CO2 ratio of 3 and diluent gas free, Co is found to enhance the lifespan of NixMg1-O-x (1 1 1) catalyst. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.