Oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutane catalyzed by an activated carbon fiber cloth exposed to supercritical fluids

•Surface area plays no direct role in the catalytic performance.•Isobutane conversion is determined by the oxygen surface groups.•Exposure of the fiber to supercritical fluids produces efficient catalysts.•The fiber gasified with supercritical water shows the best catalytic behavio•Supercritical fluids modify the texture and surface chemistry of the fiber.