Sulfated perfluoropolymer–CNF composite as a gas-phase benzene nitration catalyst

•Sulfated perfluoropolymer–CNF composites were prepared.•These composites are stable catalysts in gas-phase benzene nitration.•Best selectivity was 99.9% with by-product concentration lower than 300 ppm.

Sulfated perfluoropolymers supported on carbon nanofibers are shown to be active and stable catalysts for gas-phase benzene nitration. The best catalyst exhibits 99.9% selectivity to nitrobenzene with concentration of by-products (mainly nitrophenols) less than 300 ppm.