The bio oil of pyrolysis can be upgraded via hydrodeoxygenation to remove unfavorable characteristics related to high levels of oxygen. Sulfided NiMo and CoMo catalyst have been studied extensively in hydrodeoxygenation. However, significant deactivation may occur, due to the lack of sulfur in the charges or to coke deposition, induced by strong acidic supports. Therefore, development of new catalytic materials with alternative supports and active phases is relevant. In this work, Ni, Ru, and Ni-Ru catalysts were prepared by wet impregnation of Ni (NO3)(2)center dot 6H(2)O and Ru(NO)(NO3)(3) solutions. Al2O3, TiO2, and ZrO2 were used as supports, evidencing influence on hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of phenol activity and selectivities. TPR and XPS characterization revealed a promoter effect of ruthenium over Ni reducibility and in some cases, a synergetic effect on catalytic activity in phenol HDO reaction was observed. The metallic ruthenium particles were reduced at low temperatures, and they enhanced reduction of Ni by H-2 spillover effect, due to a close contact between metals. Furthermore, TPD-NH3 indicated a possible correlation between catalyst acidity and HDO reaction rate.