Mixed MgO-Al2O3 (with different Mg/Al ratio) supported nickel catalysts were prepared via co precipitation method and used for hydrogenation of levulinic acid to gamma-valerolactone under mild condition. Characterization results indicated that mixed MgO-Al2O3 supported Ni catalysts possessed bigger surface area than that of Ni/MgO and Ni/Al2O3 , and Ni dispersed highly on the surface of mixed MgO-Al2O3 support. It was found that mixed MgO-Al2O3 supported Ni catalysts were more active and selective for the hydrogenation of levulinic acid to gamma-valerolactone than that of Ni/MgO and Ni/Al2O3, and the best yield of gamma-valerolactone at 160 degrees C, 1 h and 3 MPa H-2 reached 99.7% over Ni/MgAlO2.5, and Ni/Mg2Al2O5 could be recycled without obvious loss of its initial activity. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.