The reactivity of methane on pure-and doped (Gd, Pr)-ceria catalysts has been investigated under highly-deficient steam conditions (CH4/H2O = 10) at 750 degrees C. The physico-chemical properties of the prepared samples were studied by XRD, adsorption-desorption isotherms of N-2 at -196 degrees C, and temperature programmed reduction in H-2. The doping process led to an increase in the surface area and changes in the surface properties. Thus, doping by Pr enhanced the redox and, consequently, the catalytic properties while doping by Gd improved the catalysts stability against deactivation processes. (c) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.