Hydrotalcite mixed oxide catalysts promoted with CeO2 containing nickel as the active phase were employed in the reforming of a free of contaminants model biogas. Catalysts were characterized using techniques such XRD, H-2-TPR, CO2-TPD, Raman spectroscopy and TEM analyses. They showed a good performance along the 6 h of testing. Despite the drastic conditions for catalysts evaluation (low temperature and excess of CH4) that facilitate carbon deposition, the Ni 10 wt% catalyst showed a deposition rate similar to catalyst evaluated in softer conditions already reported in literature. The Ni 5 wt% spent catalyst showed the lowest carbon deposition rate among the three catalysts tested. Together with carbon filaments, the Ni 15 wt% catalyst featured the presence of encapsulating and coating carbon and they both would lead to deactivation, as attested by its oscillating activity behavior. [GRAPHICS]