Chemical looping dry reforming of methane (CLDRM) is performed by exposing a Ni/CeO2 solid to CH4 and CO2 in a cyclic way. The solid acts as an oxygen vector producing syngas (CO + H2) during exposure to CH4, and is re-oxidized during exposure to CO2. Absence of CO2 during syngas production allows suppressing reverse water gas shift reaction and reaching high selectivity. Exposure to CO2 restores the oxygen capacity of the support and removes residual carbon formed at the surface, thus fully regenerating the catalyst. Solids were characterized by TPR, XRD, Raman scattering, and XPS. Results show that part of the Ni is reduced and remain in metallic state during the looping process. On the other hand, Ni2+ species in strong interaction with Ce cations are observed even after exposure to methane. Both Ni species play important roles on reactants activation and oxygen supply by the solid. Ni loading is a crucial parameter for controlling the reduction behavior of the support and therefore for CLDRM process optimization. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.