BaTi1-xInxO3-delta perovskites (called BITx) were evaluated as supports of nickel catalysts for methane oxidation in the absence of gas-phase oxygen Ni/BaTi1-xInxO3-delta (x = 0 and 0 3) catalysts were studied by temperature programmed surface reaction of methane (TPSR-CH4) and pulses at 850 degrees C In these conditions the only oxygen source is the oxide bulk support TPSR-CH4 results suggest that the support is able to oxidize the methane producing H-2 and CO at temperatures above 750 degrees C Ni/BT and Ni/BIT0 7 catalysts showed a high selectivity towards partial oxidation products Ni/BIT0 7 catalyst was more stable than Ni/BT due to the existence of Ni-In alloys which catalyze less the cracking reaction Moreover the higher ionic conductivity of BIT0 7 facilitates the O2- ions diffusion to the surface and promotes the oxidation of carbonaceous deposits formed on the metal-support interface preventing thus catalyst deactivation (C) 2010 Elsevier B V All rights reserved