The partial oxidation of methane was carried out using new catalysts obtained by calcination and reduction of Mg/Al hydrotalcite-type precursors, containing Rh, Ni or Rh/Ni. The preparation methodology ensured high dispersion of the metal and activity in the partial oxidation of methane. To study the activity, the reaction in autothermal conditions was investigated using IR thermography to monitor the surface temperature. This technique made it possible to monitor the thermal profile of the catalytic bed and the gas/solid heat distribution, following its changes with residence time and reagent concentration. Furthermore, it allowed the diffusion limits to be estimated as a function of the initial ratio between total and partial oxidation of methane. The surface temperature profile was found to be very dependent on the catalyst composition and controlled by the Ni oxidation. For the reforming reactions the outlet composition was compared with the data at equilibrium, calculated at the outlet surface temperature in all reaction conditions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.