A new type of carbon nanostructure materials, carbon nanoflowers with graphitic feature, has been successfully synthesized with high yield using a reduction-pyrolysis-catalysis route. The reaction took place at 650 degreesC with glycerin as carbon source, and magnesium and ferrocene as reductants and catalysts. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation indicates that the obtained carbon nanoflowers with a hollow core have diameters ranging from 200 to 600 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy analysis confirm that carbon material has graphitic feature. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.