A series of coprecipitated Ni/Al2O3 catalysts containing 0-25 wt.-% Ni were examined for total surface area, total pore volume, metal surface area, CO2 adsorption and CO2 methanation activity in order to study the relation between metal content, structure and catalyst activity. Coprecipitated Ni/Al2O3 catalysts are found to be efficient promoters for methanation. Methanation activity is dependent on the nickel content and the degree of CO2 adsorption at the reaction considered. Although Al2O3 does not exhibit methanation activity, it is found to be active for CO2 adsorption. Reverse spillover increases methane production per unit nickel surface particularly for catalysts with low Ni loadings.