Abstract: A catalyst in a calcined state has a specific surface area of 20-50 m2/g of catalyst, and a specific surface area of nickel metal after reduction of the catalyst of 8 to 11 m2/g, wherein the average particle size of nickel metal is 3-8 nm, the dispersion of the particles is 10-16%, and the content of nickel is 5-15 wt. % based on the weight of calcined catalyst. A support has a specific surface area of 40-120 m2/g with a pore volume of the support of 0.2-0.4 cm3/g, wherein the support is selected from a mixture of zirconium oxide and cerium oxide or magnesium oxide, cerium oxide and the ballast being zirconium oxide. The catalyst further contains a promoter selected from the group consisting of palladium and ruthenium, in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.5 wt. %.

Abstract: A catalyst in a calcined state has a specific surface area of 20-50 m2/g of catalyst, and a specific surface area of nickel metal after reduction of the catalyst of 8 to 11 m2/g, wherein the average particle size of nickel metal is 3-8 nm, the dispersion of the particles is 10-16%, and the content of nickel is 5-15 wt. % based on the weight of calcined catalyst. A support has a specific surface area of 40-120 m2/g with a pore volume of the support of 0.2-0.4 cm3/g, wherein the support is selected from a mixture of zirconium oxide and cerium oxide or magnesium oxide, cerium oxide and the ballast being zirconium oxide. The catalyst further contains a promoter selected from the group consisting of palladium and ruthenium, in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.5 wt. %.