Metal oxide (MgO, CaO, and La2O3) promoted Ni-Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 catalysts have been applied for low-temperature steam reforming of methane (SRM), and the promoter effect was investigated. The addition of the metal oxides improved the basicity which enhances the resistance coke formation and catalytic activity. Among the prepared catalysts, the NiLa2O3-Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 catalyst exhibited high activity and stability at a very high gas hourly space velocity of 621,704h(-1). This was mainly due to high dispersion of Ni, strong basicity of La2O3, and strong interaction between Ni and La2O3. (C) 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd, All rights reserved.