CO2 reforming and partial oxidation of CH4 were investigated on different supported noble metal and Ni catalysts. A detailed thermodynamic analysis was performed for both reactions. The observed reaction behaviour can be predicted by thermodynamics. Product selectivity is catalyst independent, the role of the catalyst is to bring the reactants to approach equilibrium. The partial oxidation is a two-stage process, total oxidation of CH4 is followed by CO2 and H2O reforming of the remaining CH4. A staged addition of O2 to the reactor is tested and recommended. TPSR show that the catalyst surface for CO2 reforming was highly covered with carbonaceous species of four different types; two were identified as reactive intermediates.