Abstract: According to an embodiment there is provided a method of developing catalysts that are able to reduce the levels of tars in the syngas by reforming. One embodiment develops a co-catalyst, char supported nickel catalyst, for syngas conditioning. Biomass-derived char does not only serve as a support, but also plays a role in catalyzing the reactions. Biomass-derived char is a byproduct of biomass thermo-conversion process. In one variation, hydrazine was used to reduce supported Ni2 into Ni0. Compared with the traditional method of reducing nickel with hydrogen flow, this reduction method increases nickel dispersion rate and reduces nickel particle size.