Ce-doped Ni, Mg and Al hydrotalcites were synthesized through the reconstruction method in the presence of the [Ce(EDTA)](-) complex. The hydrotalcites and the mixed oxides derived after their thermal decomposition at 500 degrees C (16h) were characterized by XRD, TGA-DTA, ICPS, IR, Raman, SEM-EDX, TEM, TPR-H-2, TPD-CO2, XPS and N-2 sorptometry. The reconstruction of the mixed oxide is not total in [Ce(EDTA)]solutions with Ce between 1 and 10%wt. The hydrotalcite is reconstructed as hydroxyl-type phase; the reconstruction takes place in the external edges of the oxide granules. The complex is deposited, with high distribution, on the external surface of the reconstructed layered structure as species of Ce4+ and after the calcination generates surface CeO2-doped periclase oxides. Solids were used in the production of syngas through CO2 reforming of methane (CH4:CO2:Ar 5/5/40) using a total fixed flow of 50 mL. min(-1) and WHSV = 30 L g(-1)h(-1) between 500 and 800 degrees C with prior reduction. The increase in the Ce load had a promoter effect in catalytic conversions. H-2/CO ratios between 0.8 and 1.2 were obtained. Ce had a positive effect in the elimination of coke, since a nominal optimal value of 3%wt. was obtained. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.