Spherical NiCo bimetallic catalysts for CO2 reforming of CH4 were prepared by direct impregnation of Mg, Ni and Co onto the BASF CSS-350 alumina balls (BASF Catalysts LLC). The effects of the sequence of impregnation and calcination and the concentration of impregnation solutions on the catalyst properties and performances were studied. ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) analysis, BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) analysis, XRD (X-ray Diffraction), compressive strength test, and XANES (X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure) spectroscopy and TEM (Transition Electron Microscopy) were conducted to characterize the physical and chemical properties of the catalysts. The catalysts were tested for CO2 reforming of CH4 reaction under the conditions of 0.10 g catalyst loading, 750 degrees C, ambient pressure, GHSV = 100,000 mLcg(cat)(-1) h(-1), CH4/CO2/N-2 = 1/1/1 and different lengths of time-on stream (TOS). The spherical catalyst made with multiple steps of impregnation in more dilute Mg, Ni, Co solutions each followed by calcination showed extraordinary activity and stability for 180 h TOS. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.