High quality, uniform diameter and rather straight carbon nanofibers with diameter similar to 10 nm were produced by the floating catalyst method. We also obtained single-called carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by this method. The products were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TER I), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM). and Resonant Raman scattering. Various experimental parameters that have evident influence on growth of the carbon nanofibers. such as sulfur additive, reaction temperature. and hydrogen How rate, were investigated, and their effects are discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.