Several activated carbons, prepared using Ni(NO3)2.6H2O and Ni(CO)4 as precursors, are used as supports for nickel catalysts. The influence of the textural characteristics of the supports (surface area, porosity and chemical surface groups) on metal dispersion and the influence of the preparation method, nickel content and reduction conditions (heating rate, temperature and period of reduction) on the characteristics of the catalysts are studied. Finally, the activity of these catalysts in n-butane hydrogenolysis is tested.