The catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to methane as a promising solution for the utilization of CO2 has aroused intensive attention based on the viewpoints of sustainable use of energy and environmental concern. In this work, nickel nanoparticles encapsulated in microporous graphenelike carbon (MGC) were prepared and evaluated as catalysts for CO2 methanation. Nickel nanoparticles of sub-7 nm are well dispersed within the carbon support, owing to the spatial confinement provided by the unique ordered microporous structure of MGC. The optimal catalyst (15% Ni@MGC) exhibits high catalytic activity (50% CO2 conversion) and methane selectivity (96%) at 400 degrees C with space time yield (STYCH4) up to 2066 g(CH4 )kg(cat)(-1) h(-1). The Ni@MGC catalyst also shows excellent long-term stability, which is superior to that of Ni catalysts supported on commercial carbons whose structure does not provide the additional confinement effect.