A review with 62 refs. covering prepn. of Ru/C catalysts, modification (superheating at 1700-2300 degrees C and optional gasification in CO2 or H2O) of crude activated C and its effect on structure, texture and dispersion of deposited Ru atoms, the effect of Ru crystallite size on catalytic Ru activity, kinetic characteristics of (K, Cs, Ba)-promoted catalysts, thermal resistance of new catalyst materials, and resistance of C support to undergoing methanation under process conditions.