Cu/CNF and CU/CeO2/CNF catalysts have been synthesized and characterized on different nanostructured carbon nanofibers (CNF). The samples have been tested in isopropanol dehydrogenation. Cu/CNF show similar activity to Cu catalysts supported on activated carbon. Cu/CeO2 nanotubes have been synthesized on the CNF surfaces. The Cu/CeO2 nanotubes exhibit much higher activity and lower activation energy than Cu/CNF. The selectivity towards acetone depends on the fraction of CeO2 in the composites. High activity and selectivity has been achieved with a Cu12Ce5/CNF catalyst. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.