The effect of Ni-Ce loading method on the catalytic activity and coke formation over Ce-promoted Ni/Al2O3 catalysts was investigated in combined steam and carbon dioxide reforming of methane (CSCRM) to produce synthesis gas with a H-2/CO ratio of 2 for gas to liquid (GTL) process. 12 wt%Ni-6 wt%Ce/Al2O3 catalysts prepared by a co-impregnation method exhibited higher catalytic performance and less coke formation than 12 wt%Ni/6 wt%Ce/Al2O3 and 6 wt%Ce/12 wt%Ni/Al2O3 catalysts prepared by a sequential impregnation method due to the improvement of Ni dispersion and high oxygen storage capacity resulting from the intimate contact between Ni and CeO2 on the surface of the catalyst. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.