This work reports on the investigation of the influence of the preparation procedure and Ni content on partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas. For this purpose the Ni-containing zeolite catalysts were prepared by two different methods: a conventional wet impregnation method (Ni(x)AlBEA series), in which Ni ions were introduced mainly in the extra framework position and a two-step postsynthesis method (Ni(x)SiBEA series), which allowed incorporating Ni ions into the zeolite framework. Calcined Ni(x)AIBEA and Ni(x)SiBEA zeolite catalysts showed different physicochemical properties and thermal stability in POM reaction. The C-Ni(x)SiBEA catalysts demonstrated very high activity (100% conversion of CH4) and selectivity to CO (up to 100%) and resistance to deactivation. Moreover, they were much more stable than C-Ni(x)AlBEA catalysts. On neither of 2 series of catalysts carbon deposition was observed in contrast to the catalysts usually used and described in literature. The TPR-H-2 experiments showed the presence of different Ni species in C-Ni(x)SiBEA and C-Ni(x)AlBEA catalysts and XRD analysis proved that dealumination and high temperature treatment did not destroy the zeolite structure. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.