By using alkali salts as catalysts during chemical vapor deposition, several nanoscale carbon materials are formed. The morphology of the carbon materials mainly depends on the temperature at which the deposition process is carried out (see figure, width 5 pm, temperature set at 400 degrees C). The use of water-soluble alkali salts rather than metal catalysts leads to a simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly approach to the synthesis of these materials.