Single-wall carbon nanohorn (SWNH) particles were generated by simple pulsed arc discharge between pure carbon rods in the atmospheric pressure of air. Purity of SWNHs was reached higher than 90%, and the heating in dry air at 500 degreesC was useful for removal of amorphous carbon. The mean size of SWNH particles was approximate to 50 nm, which is smaller than those prepared by the CO2 laser method. Pre-heating of the carbon rod up to 1000 degreesC, conducted just before ignition of arc, improved the quality of SWNHs. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize these SWNH particles. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.