Hydrotalcite-derived catalysts promoted with Zr species were prepared via co-precipitation method, resulting in materials with various Zr loading. Physicochemical properties of catalysts precursors and final catalysts were investigated via XRF, XRD, low temperature N-2 sorption, H-2-TPR, CO2-TPD, TG, SEM and TEM techniques. So characterized catalysts were subsequently tested in the dry methane reforming reaction at 550 degrees C. Zr-loading introduced into brucite-like layers influenced the process of thermal decomposition of HTs and, as a result, their properties and performance in DRM. Although Zr promotion decreased activity, it strongly increased the stability and selectivity of the catalysts. The catalyst with Zr species present in the framework of periclase-like mixed oxide exhibited high resistance to coking due to the rearrangement of Ni particles upon DRM reaction. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.