Ce and Zr promoted Fe/Cu-modified natural clay based catalysts were prepared and tested in dry reforming of methane (DRM) at temperatures from 600 to 800 degrees C. The physicochemical properties of these catalysts were analyzed by means of N-2 adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD). H-2-temperature programmed reduction (H-2-TPR) and CO2-temperature programmed desorption (TPD). Ce and Zr promotion resulted in a considerable increase of the catalytic activity. This increase can be mainly ascribed to an improved reducibility of Ni species, together with slightly higher Ni-0 crystal size, that, on the other hand, also catalyze undesired parallel reactions resulting in carbon formation, such as direct methane decomposition. Both Ce and Zr presence also promoted the presence of weak and medium strength basic sites, which are thought to favor CO2 adsorption and desorption on the catalyst surface, leading to enhanced catalytic activity. (C) 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.