The Mo-containing Ni-MO2C/La2O3 catalyst was prepared and its catalytic performance compared with that of Ni/La2O3 for the dry reforming of methane (DRM). The former shows better catalytic stability, and there is the formation of Ni and La2MoO6 and a small amount of beta-Mo2C. By comparing Ni-Mo2C/La2O3 with the Ni/La2MoO6 and NiMoOx/La2O3 catalysts that are similar in Ni and Mo loadings, we clarify the catalytic role of beta-Mo2C in DRM reaction. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.