A series of inverse CeO2/Co3O4 catalysts with different Ce loading was prepared via the hydrothermal process and microemulsion method, and characterized by XRD, BET, H-2-TPR and TGA-DSC techniques. The catalysts exhibited high activity and moderate H-2 and CO selectivity for CH4/CO2 reforming under atmospheric pressure and 750 degrees C. The results showed that the CeO2/Co3O4 catalysts with double pore distribution could provide more active sites as well as better gas circulation channels, which could reduce the internal diffusion resistance and improve the catalytic performance for CH4/CO2 reforming. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.