Ni and Ni3C catalysts supported on nano-sized and mesoporous silica were used to study the dry reforming reaction of biogas. Ni catalysts were deposited over either nano-sized silica or a novel mesoporous silica (450 m(2)/g), which were the main supports used in this study. Subsequently, a secondary active phase (Pt) and support (MgO) were added. In addition, mesoporous-supported Ni was also subjected to a carburization process with CH4. Size effects, preparation techniques and chemical nature of co-supports were studied. Catalytical, microstructural, chemical and molecular characterization of fresh and spent materials were carried out using BET, H-2-TPR, XRD, HRTEM, WDXRF, and Raman spectroscopy. The reaction was undertaken at 700 degrees C and 1 atm. Results evidence that catalyst supported on both mesoporous silica and also nickel carbide catalyst presented high stability and slow deactivation overall in spite the high content of carbon. The addition of Pt did not increase stability of the catalysts. (C) 2019 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.