Simultaneous generation of filamentous carbon and nickel nanoparticles was achieved by decomposing methane over Raney-type skeletal nickel catalyst. Nickel nanoparticles were generated by metal disintegration and stabilized by filamentous carbon. This composite material was tested as a catalyst for the hydrogenation of nitrobenzene. The active phase of the catalysts consists of nickel nanoparticles in reduced form with superficial oxide layers. The catalysts exhibited excellent performance, producing clean aniline (similar to 99% yield). (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.