Hydrogenation of propanal is kinetically much faster on Ni(111) than Cu(111). Hydroxyl route is prefered over alkoxy route on Ni(111). Alkoxy route is prefered over hydroxyl route on Cu(111). Activation barrier for hydrogenation of carbonyl is lowered by H-tunneling effect. η2(C,O)-adsorption mode is beneficial for hydrogenation/dehydrogenation of aldehyde.