The phase composition and texture of nickel catalysts supported on ribbon porous nickel with a magnesium oxide underlayer were investigated by X-ray diffraction, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, and electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. The MgO underlayer was obtained by impregnation the porous nickel with a Mg(NO3)(2) solution followed by calcination at 550 degrees C; nickel was supported additionally by impregnation with a Ni(NO3)(2) solution followed by calcination at 450 degrees C. In the supported reduced nickel catalysts (800-900 degrees C, H-2) the phases of Ni and a solid solution of NiO in MgO were observed; a considerable part of nickel crystallites was epitaxially bound with MgO. The partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas (800 degrees C, O-2/C = 0.65, GHSV = 127 L/g h) over porous nickel based catalysts was studied. The activity of initial nickel support decreased considerably during the partial oxidation of methane; the value of methane conversion decreased slightly after 100 h of testing on the supported nickel catalysts. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.