The preparation, characterization and reactivity of NiO over barium hexaaluminate in the partial oxidation of methane is investigated. it is found that the prepared NiO supported catalysts are extremely active in the catalytic oxidation of methane, with 95% CH4 conversion and 98% CO selectivity achieved at 850 degreesC. Highly disperse nickel oxide interacting with the support clearly shows the efficient use of the active nickel phase. In particular, the special structure of the barium hexaaluminate prevents its lattice from being destroyed by Ni ions when the Ni loading is as high as 20 wt%. The "layered aluminate type" structure of the barium hexaaluminate support can accommodate Ni ions in the structure so that there exists interaction between Ni ions and support, which causes the supported catalysts to possess excellent stability and capability to suppress carbon deposition.