A layer of carbon nanofiber (CNF) agglomerates is used to produce a catalyst support layer that can be immobilized on a stainless steel filter and that can be removed when desired. For immobilization a filtration procedure is developed that produces a stable CNF layer at relatively low shear force flows (< 0.18 m/s). Under these conditions the device can be used as a chemical reactor. Increasing the shear force flow rate enables removal of the CNF layer. The interaction between the CNF agglomerates within the immobilized layer is stronger than the attachment of the entire layer to the surface of the stainless steel filter. The weaker interaction between the layer of CNF agglomerates and the filter surface therefore determines the stability of the layer. High surface roughness of the filter on micro-scale as well as deep penetration of CNF agglomerates in the pore mouths of the stainless steel filter both enhance stability of the CNF layer.