Carbon nanofibers (CNF) and CNF-supported phosphoric oxides were tested as the catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (ODP). The catalysts were characterized by SEM, TEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), N-2 adsorption and temperature-programmed surface reaction (TPSR). CNF itself is an effective catalyst for ODP, but the high propene yield can only be achieved at high reaction temperature, which would cause CNF gasification. CNF-supported phosphoric oxides can operate at 500 degrees C without gasification and a 39.63% propene selectivity could be reached at a 42.07% propane conversion. Carbonyl-like groups on the CNF surface could be the active sites for ODR (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.