A novel Ni-based catalyst (LP-Ni/FC3R) derived from a layered double hydroxides (LDHs) precursor was synthesized in situ and applied to rosin hydrogenation. Fluid catalytic cracking catalyst residue (FC3R) was used as a support material and sole Al3+ source. The effects of nickel loading, H-2 pressure, temperature, and reaction time on catalytic performance were extensively investigated in a 2 m(3) stainless steel autoclave. Maximum conversion of abietic-type resin acids reached 99.29% under relatively mild conditions with a nickel content of 8 wt.% and reaction time of 100 min. For comparison, a nickel catalyst (IM-Ni/FC3R) was prepared via incipient wetness impregnation. The textural, structural, and morphological properties of the two catalyst precursors were characterized by XRD, SEM, XPS, FT-IR, and H-2-TPR/TPD. Results showed that Ni2+Al3+-containing LDHs (NiAl-LDHs) in the novel catalyst grow in situ at the surface and in the pores of FC3R. Compared with IM-Ni/FC3R, LP-Ni/FC3R shows a smaller crystallite size, higher Ni dispersion, and stronger interactions between Ni species and the FC3R support. LP-Ni/ FC3R exhibited higher activity and better stability, which may be mainly ascribed to its unique NiAl-LDHs structures. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.