Ni(pre)/TiO2(ALG) was prepared following a similar alginate route than for the Ni(post)/TiO2(ALG) catalyst with the following modifications. The non-calcined hydrogel microspheres were added to the 0.1 mmol•L -1 solution of Ni(NO3)2 in deionized water with a ratio of 1 g of support for 17 mL, and kept under stirring for 3 h, before to be submitted to the washing sequence in ethanol-water baths of increasing alcohol concentration for 30 min in each. The resulting material was calcined at 500°C for 5 h in flowing air with a 5°C/min ramp, and finally reduced at a temperature ranging from 500°C to 700°C, with a 5°C/min ramp.