In order to solve the difficult separation between catalyst and products in homogeneous system, the activated carbon (AC)-supported rhodium-based catalyst (Rh/AC) was prepared. Hydroformylation of mixed octenes catalyzed by Rh/AC was studied, and compared to that catalyzed by RhCl(CO)(TPPTS)(2) [TPPTS: trisodium salt of tris(m-sulphonylphenyl) phosphine], and [Rh(CH3COO)(2)](2)-Ph3PO (Ph3PO: triphenyl phosphine oxide). The performance test of the catalysts showed the Rh/AC presented higher catalytic activity, selectivity and air-stability. During the recycle experiments Rh/AC could be used 4 times without significant loss of rhodium. The effects of the supports, rhodium loading and reaction conditions on the catalytic performance of Rh/AC were investigated. The results showed petroleum coke-based activated carbon with higher surface area and more basic groups was advantageous to the formation of aldehydes. The heterogeneous Rh/AC catalyst displayed higher catalytic activity and reusability. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.