The catalytic activity and stability of LaNiO₃ and La₂NiO₄, prepared using a citric acid complex method, have been investigated for partial oxidation of methane (POM) to synthesis gas. The catalysts were characterized by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TG), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH₃-TPD). The results show that the catalytic activity and stability of La₂NiO₄ are higher than those of LaNiO₃, due to the stronger interactions between Ni and La₂O₃ in La₂NiO₄ and to its lower acidity as demonstrated by TPR and NH₃-TPD. TG result indicates that carbon deposition occurs on both catalysts, and the carbon species deposited on La₂NiO₄ are mainly metal carbides, while on LaNiO₃ are mainly graphite.