Oxidative reforming of model biogas over NiO-Y2O3-ZrO2 catalysts

► NiO-Y2O3 and Y2O3-ZrO2 solid solutions were formed in the catalysts. ► The mixture of both solid solutions favored the catalysis. ► Y2O3-ZrO2 seemed to hinder the formation of filamentous carbon. ► Y2O3 stabilized the zirconia, with particles of rectangular parallelepiped form. ► Ni20YZ catalyst is promissory for the oxidative reforming of biogas.