Ce is present as well dispersed CeO2 and Ni as Ni° particles after pre-treatment. CO2 adsorption capacity increases drastically after Ce addition on NiUSY catalyst. Hydrogen and bidentate carbonates appear to be the reactive species leading to formate. Adsorbed formates seem to be the “true” intermediate involved in the reaction pathway. The mechanism on NiCeUSY does not pass through the formation of CO.