The NiO/Zn_xZr_1−x (x represents the molar mass of Zn) catalyst was prepared by the impregnation method and tested in CO₂ methanation. The activity results show that NiO/Zn_0.3Zr_0.7 has a higher CO₂ conversion rate and methane selectivity than NiO/ZnO and NiO/ZnO–ZrO₂. Combined with N₂ adsorption–desorption, H₂-TPR, CO₂-TPD, H₂-TPD, XRD, TEM, XPS and FTIR and other characterization methods, the physical and chemical properties of NiO/ZnO–ZrO₂ were studied. The incorporation of ZnO into NiO/ZrO₂ forms a ZnO–ZrO₂ solid solution, and the combination of the solid solution weakens the interaction between NiO and the oxide support, thereby promoting the reduction and dispersion of NiO. The H₂-TPR experiment results show that, because ZnO–ZrO₂ forms a solid solution, NiO is better dispersed on the surface, resulting in a significant reduction in the reduction temperature of NiO. Using FTIR to conduct CO₂ adsorption and methanation experiments on NiO/Zn_xZr_1−x to determine the adsorbed species and intermediates, the results show that CO₂ methanation follows the formate pathway.