Titanium nitride (TiN) promoted nickel catalysts were synthesized and employed as an alternative catalyst in dry reforming of methane (DRM). The series of this catalyst containing various amount of Ni and TiN was prepared in two steps, direct synthesis of SBA-15 in the presence of TiN and the impregnation of Ni. The influence of Ni and TiN loading on DRM reaction was investigated using a feed ratio of CH4/CO2 = 1, at 700 degrees C and atmospheric pressure for a duration of 4 h. The promising catalysts, that gave the highest feed conversions and product yields, were selected for further investigation, compared to non promoted Ni catalyst using the same conditions but for 12 h of reaction. The results showed that the performance of Ni catalyst was improved by the incorporation of TiN. The modified catalysts provided not only high catalytic activity but also enhancement of coke resistance. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.