Effect of B site substitution in Gd2B2-xNiyO7-δ (B= Ti, Zr) ternary metal oxide catalysts in dry reforming of methane

•The study of Gd based Ni substituted pyrochlore catalysts for dry reforming of methane.•Superiority of Ti substituted Gd2B1.8Ni0.2O7 catalysts towards dry reforming of methane for 100 h.•Surface hydroxyl species in GTNO catalyst triggers the activation of CO2 and provides higher and durable activity in dry reforming reaction.•Absence of any C formation in Gd2Ti1.8Ni0.2O7 catalyst indicates the mechanism of C gasification by the surface hydroxyl species.•The influence of the strong metal-support interaction, basic strength of support for the superior and stable activity GTNO catalyst.