The effect of samarium on Ni/sepiolite catalyst was investigated by benzene hydrogenation, methanation of carbon dioxide, CO chemisorption, XPS and CS2 poisoning, respectively. The result indicates that a proper amount and impregnation order of samarium in the preparation of Ni-Sm/sepiolite catalyst are very efficient to improve the catalytic activity and anti-sulfur ability. At the same time, the mechanism of samarium improving hydrogenation activity of Ni/sepiolite is presented.