Abstract CO 2 reforming of CH 4 was studied over laboratory-prepared carbonaceous catalysts at atmospheric pressure (0.1 MPa) and high pressure (3.6 MPa). The catalysts were characterized by BET and FITR techniques. The catalytic activity and stability of catalysts were closely related to the reaction pressure. It was observed that the use of higher pressure substantially decreased CO 2 and CH 4 conversion and increased catalyst deactivation during CO 2 reforming of CH 4 , compared to runs at 0.5 MPa for carbonaceous catalysts. Deactivation was related to carbon formation. Some process adjustment methods, such as increasing the reaction temperature, prolonging reaction residence time, and increasing CO 2 and CH 4 molar ratio, which could improve catalysts activity and stability. Besides, the positive effect of surface oxygen containing groups (C–O) on catalyst activity had been demonstrated over carbonaceous catalysts. The basic function of the carbonaceous materials surface area also seemed to increase H-abstraction of methane and CO 2 adsorption.