In this study, 5% Ni/Ce(1-x)ZrxO2 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) catalysts were prepared by precipitation method and tested for methane partial oxidation. The structures of the catalysts were examined by N-2 adsorption and X-ray diffraction. The catalytic activity and stability were also investigated. The incorporation of Zr into the CeO2 lattice was found to promote the redox properties. The methane oxidation activity of the mixed oxides was found to be dependent on the Ce:Zr ratio, which relates to the degree of reducibility. The catalytic activity increased with an increasing Zr content. 5% Ni/Ce0.25Zr0.75O2 was reported to exhibit the highest BET surface area, activity, stability, and H-2 and CO selectivity for partial oxidation of methane. The catalytic activities and selectivities were also affected by CH4/O-2 ratio in the feed stream. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.