A set of microporous carbons have been used to prepare Pd/carbon catalysts. The properties of the raw materials have been determined in terms of texture and surface chemistry. A deposition precipitation method has been employed to prepare the final catalysts, leading to well-dispersed palladium particles. The influence of the textural properties as well as the surface chemistry properties has been studied and a correlation was found between the surface in the pores of the support and the Pd dispersion. The chemistry surface properties of the Pd/carbon catalysts were found similar, despite differences in the case of the starting raw materials. The hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde has been studied and the results obtained favourably compare with those already published. Turnover frequencies were similar whatever the catalyst. High selectivities close to 90% in hydrocinnamaldehyde were obtained at 90% conversion. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.