Step adsorption-temperature-programmed desorption cycles of toluene on Ni/Al2O3 and pure gamma-Al2O3 were carried out with different flushing times and heating rates. The aim was to obtain information to support hydrogenation studies, and results useful for modelling of toluene hydrogenation. Adsorption was weak and reversible on both samples, and no deactivation was observed. The major part of the toluene adsorbed on the support of the Ni catalyst. The experimental results on Ni/Al2O3 were utilised in transient kinetic modelling. A model in which surface heterogeneity was represented with two different Langmuir-type adsorption sites described the experimental data well. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.