New active and stable nano-structured catalysts obtained from hydrotalcite-type precursors (HT) have been synthesised as catalytic materials for the partial oxidation of methane. The prepared hydrotalcitic precursors containing carbonates or silicates as interlayer anions were calcined and the latter give rise to new mixed oxide and silicates phases. The calcined and reduced catalysts formed by mixed oxide and silicate phases were tested for the catalytic partial oxidation of methane (CPO). Finally, the role of the amount of the active metal and the amount of the excess of silicates inserted as anion were investigated. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.