A novel Ru-ZrO2/carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-Ni foam composite catalyst for selective CO methanation is prepared by using CNTs-Ni foam as support. This catalyst exhibits an improved performance of CO selectivity and excellent catalytic stability, which may be attributed to the high thermal conductivity and unique microstructure of the Ru-based CNTs-Ni foam composite. The SEM and XRD measurements reveal that amorphous Ru-ZrO2 particles with fine size (<20 nm) are well dispersed on the CNTs surface of the composite catalyst reduced at 350 degrees C, possibly leading to its high catalytic activity. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.