Catalytic hydroconversion of propionitrile (PN) was studied over supported nickel and nickel phosphide catalysts. PN was used as model compound of aliphatic nitriles in pyrolysis oil obtained from animal by-products. Silica gel and Laponite was used as support. The structure and particle size of the supported active phase was characterized by X-ray diffractometry formation. Conversion of PN to hydrocarbon and ammonia hardly proceeded below 300 °C but became dominating reaction between 350-400 °C. Brønsted-acid sites were not required for the reactions. Supported Ni 2 P catalysts catalyzed hydrogenolysis of C-N bonds only, whereas also the C-C bonds suffered significant cleavage over supported Ni catalyst.