In this work, lyophilized nickel catalysts were synthesized and compared with a commercial catalyst (CCom) in the process of dry reforming of methane. Ni-Al2O3 catalysts were prepared by epoxide-initiated gelation method and lyophilized with different percentage of active phase: 5 wt% (LNi5), 10 wt% (LNi10), 15 wt% (LNi15) and 20 wt% (LNi20). The catalysts were characterized by physical nitrogen adsorption, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The catalytic tests were performed at 600 degrees C, 700 degrees C and 800 degrees C. All catalysts were active in the reforming reactions except the LNi5 and CCom catalysts at temperatures of 600 degrees C and 700 degrees C. The LNi10 catalyst at 800 degrees C has presented the highest syngas production. The CCom showed the highest carbon deposition at 600 degrees C with 2.26 mg which represents 4.52% of the initial weight of the catalyst. Increasing the nickel content from 5 wt% to 10 wt% resulted in a syngas gain of 1.31 mu mol/min, 0.86 mu mol/min and 1.25 mu mol/min at 600 degrees C, 700 degrees C and 800 degrees C, respectively. The increase of the active phase from 10 wt% to 15 wt% and 20 wt% did not present significant effects in the syngas production. The lyophilization process in the drying stage of the catalyst has proved to be quite satisfactory in the dry reforming of methane. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.