Modifying surface properties of KIT-6 zeolite with Ni and V for enhancing catalytic CO methanation

•3D-mesoporous KIT-6 zeolite was superficially modified with different amounts of Ni and V.•V species could enhance CO dissociation via electron transfer from V species to Ni0.•Addition of proper V content favored H2 uptake and Ni dispersion.•Ni, V-modified catalyst exhibited the enhanced low-temperature catalytic performance.•20Ni-2V/KIT-6 showed the best catalytic performance among all the catalysts.