The catalytic performance of the Ni, Co, Mg, and Al mixed-oxide solids, synthesized via hydrotalcite route, was investigated towards the dry reforming of methane for hydrogen production. The hydrotalcite structure was successfully obtained upon the synthesis. After calcination at 800 degrees C under an air flow, this structure was completely decomposed and the resulting oxides (Co(x)Ni(y)Mg(z)Al(2)800, x and y = 0; 1; 2; 3; 4, z = 2; 4, x + y + z = 6, x, y, and z are the molar ratios) were used as catalysts and were characterized using X-ray diffraction and Temperature-Programmed Reduction. The dry reforming of methane was carried out using a mixture of CH4:CO2 (1:1) after 2 h of reduction under an H-2 flow at 800 degrees C. Co2N-i(2)Mg(2)Al(2)800 showed the highest catalytic activity in the studied series, ascribable to an interaction between Ni and Co, which is optimal for such Co/Ni ratio. The post-reaction characterization of the catalytic samples by X-ray diffraction and Differential Scanning Calorimetry evidenced a better resistance towards carbon deposition for the catalysts where Co molar ratio is higher than Ni. (C) 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.