A series of the supported nickel catalysts have been synthesized through impregnation, characterized by X-ray diffraction, N-2 sorption measurement, temperature programmed H-2 reduction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The morphology and particle size of catalysts are imaged by scanning electron microscope. The catalysts have efficiently catalyzed the one-step hydrogenation of 1,5-dinitronaphthalene to 1,5-diaminodecahydronaphthalene. The catalyst 10%Ni/SiO2-1a is the most active for the titled hydrogenation with 100 mol% conversion and 95.3% selectivity, applicable for the catalytic one-step hydrogenation of nitro-aromatic compounds. The reducibility of NiO species on different supports has been carefully studied. Some factors such as the type of carriers, the addition of modifiers, the silica source, the Ni loading, the H-2 pressure and the reaction temperature and time play important roles in controlling the hydrogenation. In addition, the negative effect of the water amount has been observed. The recycling tests reveal the recyclability and stability of the supported Ni catalyst. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.