Catalysts containing 5 wt.% Ni supported on SiO2TiO2 binary oxide (differing in the method of preparation and TiO2 content) were applied for hydrogenation of aromatic hydrocarbons. The performance of the catalysts was tested in hydrogenation of toluene and diesel oil fraction. It was found that deposition of TiO2 on silica by using the so-called TIPOT-method leads to the supports improving the catalytic activity of Ni/SiO2TiO2 catalysts. Experimental results indicated that for support prepared by this method, TiO2 exist in the form of anatase. It was found that interaction between nickel and TiO2 in a form of anatase was considerably weaker than in the case of TiO2 in the form of rutile. The differences in reducibility of catalysts calcinated and re-oxidated at different temperatures were discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.