a b s t r a c t KeywordsRuthenium nanoparticles Ruthenium-modified hectorite Furfuryl alcohol hydrogenation Metallic ruthenium nanoparticles intercalated in hectorite (particle size~4 nm) were found to catalyse the hydrogenation of furfuryl acohol to give tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol in methanolic solution under mild conditions. The best results were obtained at 40°C under a hydrogen pressure of 20 bar (conversion 100%, selectivity N 99%). After a total turnover number of 1423, the hectorite supported ruthenium nanoparticles are deactivated but can be recycled and regenerated.