Preparation and application of carbon-nanofiber based microstructured materials as catalyst supports

In the application of heterogeneous catalysts in liquid phase reactions, the rate of reaction as well as selectivity is often negatively influenced by mass transfer limitations in the stagnant liquid in the pores of the catalyst support. Internal mass transfer limitations can be reduced by maximizing the porosity and lowering the tortuosity of the catalyst support. Particles and layers consisting of carbon nanofibers are promising catalyst supports because of the combination large pore volume (0.5-2 cm(3)/g) and extremely open morphology, on one hand, and significant high surface area (100-200 m(2)/g), on the other hand. This review deals with the preparation methods and application of the above-mentioned particles and thin layers, especially focusing on thin layers supported on structured materials like monoliths, metal foams, felts, filters, and fibers.