An amorphous NiB/SiO2 catalyst, prepared by a reductive-impregnation method, was thoroughly studied as to its behavior in air and in benzene hydrogenation in a fixed-bed reactor at atmospheric pressure. The results showed that the amorphous NiB/SiO2 catalyst possessed long life and excellent resistance to aerial oxidation. Even after calcination at 400degreesC, TP-XRD and TPR measurements revealed that the amorphous NiB/SiO2 catalyst was not oxidized, and could retain its activity in benzene hydrogenation. (C) 2004 Society of Chemical Industry.