Ruthenium (Ru)-based catalysts are widely employed in several types of gas-solid reactions because of their high catalytic activities. This review provides theoretical research on Ru-based catalysts and an analysis of their basic properties and oxidation behavior. There is particular emphasis on Ru-catalyzed gas-solid catalytic reactions, including the catalytic oxidation of VOCs, preferential oxidation of CO, synthesis of ammonia, oxidation of HCl and partial oxidation of CH4. Recent literature on catalysis is summarized and compared. Finally, we describe current challenges in the field and propose approaches for future development of Ru-based catalysts. (C) 2016, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.