Catalyst material and method for producing same

The purpose of the present invention is to provide: a catalyst material which is loaded with fine gold particles and has excellent catalytic activity; and a method for producing this catalyst material. A catalyst material according to the present invention is characterized by being obtained by loading carbon nanofibers having an average diameter (Av) of 5 nm or less with fine gold particles. A method for producing a catalyst material according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a step wherein carbon nanofibers having an average diameter (Av) of 5 nm or less are dispersed in a solvent by a dispersing process, by which a cavitation effect or crushing effect can be achieved, in the presence of an ionic surfactant and a polymer surfactant.