Highly active NiO-CeO2 catalysts for synthetic natural gas production by CO2 methanation

•Mesoporous soft-templated NiO-CeO2 mixed oxides were prepared.•The NiO-CeO2 catalysts were very active and selective for CO2 methanation.•Soft template method led to a better dispersion of Ni compared to impregnation procedure.•Ni0 crystal size is not crucial for catalysis at 300°C and moderate space velocity.•Catalytic performance is affected by dispersion of Ni0 particles at high space velocities.