A non-conventional synthesis route for the preparation of Ni/SBA-15 catalyst for methane dry reforming (MDR), comprising the addition of ascorbic acid as reducing agent, was considered and compared to impregnation and precipitation conventional preparation methods. The catalyst prepared following this novel route evidenced successful confinement of Ni-species inside the pores of SBA-15, both NiO and Ni-phyllosilicates. Due to its particular characteristics, this catalyst showed enhanced activity, selectivity and stability in MDR experiments. Concretely, deactivation of the catalyst was substantially hindered, due to improved selectivity, preferential carbon growth on the external surface of the catalyst, and special ability of the catalyst to favor the formation of amorphous carbon. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.