Graphite nanofiber supported Pd/Cu catalysts were used for the oxidation of water-saturated ethylene to acetaldehyde. The type of nanofiber support (graphite plane orientation), reaction temperature, and catalyst weight loading were investigated. Catalysts supported on herringbone nanofibers exhibited higher catalytic activities when compared to those supported on either ribbon or platelet nanofibers under identical loading conditions. It is proposed that the inherent hydrophobicity of the herringbone support enabled the copper co-catalyst to regenerate most efficiently. The temperature studies imply a change in rate determining step: at low temperatures, product desorption may be the slow step, while at higher temperatures the lack of surface hydration may rate limiting. The results of these studies clearly show that the unique properties of graphite nanofibers to be specifically selected to optimize a variety of catalytic reactions.

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