• Ru nanoparticles supported on CeO2−Mg(OH)2 composite nanosheets exhibit high activity and selectivity for furfural hydrogenation to furfuryl alcohol.
• The composite support enhances catalyst stability by preventing Ru leaching, retaining high activity after six cycles.
• Strong metal–support interaction tunes the electronic structure of Ru, facilitating H2 activation.
• The CeO2−Mg(OH)2 interface promotes selective adsorption of C=O bonds, improving selectivity.