Production of aromatic hydrocarbons through lignin hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is of significant importance. Previously, we found that Ru/Nb2O5 was an excellent catalyst for the conversion of lignin to arenes with relatively high selectivity (71%). Herein, we aim to clarify which properties of Nb2O5 influence the activity and selectivity. Four Ru/Nb2O5 catalysts with different Nb2O5 morphologies were used in the HDO of 4-methylphenol. Intensive studies show that layered Nb2O5 supported Ru has more Nb=O groups (unsaturated NbOx sites) and highest Ru dispersion, which led to the highest activity and toluene selectivity, this was further confirmed by loading pre-synthesized Ru colloids in various Nb2O5. Finally, a Ru/Nb2O5 catalyst with more unsaturated Nb=O groups was designed and it was found that even with enzymatic lignin as the feedstock, the selectivity to arenes can reach up to 94.8% with the yield of hydrocarbons of 99.6%. This study provides a promising strategy for catalyst design towards the selective production of aromatic hydrocarbons from lignin. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.