The ZrO2-Al2O3 composite oxides with Al2O3/ZrO2 molar ratios of 1:0, 4:1, 3:2, 1:4 and 0:1 was synthesized by hydrothermal method, and the Co/ZrO2-Al2O3 catalysts were prepared by impregnation method. Compared to the support of ZrO2 or Al2O3 single, the composite oxides were possessed of the larger specific surface area and bimodal mesoporous structure, which increased the dispersion of the Co/ZrO2 Al2O3 catalysts. ZrO2 within composite oxides enhanced the basicity of the supports, which favored the adsorption to CO2. The Co/ZrO2-Al2O3 catalyst not only showed good catalytic activity and stability but also anti-coke performance in CH4/CO2 reforming reaction. Copyright (C) 2015, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.