A series of nickel-molybdena samples incorporated on alumina modified with lanthanum or zinc ions was studied using the BET method, thermal (DTA) and IR spectroscopy. The surface area, pore volume and distribution were determined. Lanthanum and zinc ions cause a decrease in the surface area of the catalysts, which is most significant for lanthanum ions. Modification of the support does not change the type of catalyst pores (the inkbottle type), but it affects their size and distribution. The catalysts modified by lanthanum ions are characterized by a presence of the La2O2CO3 phase on the surface and increased thermal stability of the catalysts. In high temperatures, the modifier ions may react with the support, yielding surface structures of Ianthanum and zinc aluminate types.