Carbon microspheres were synthesized from asphaltene by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Raman spectroscopy method. The results indicated the monodispersed spheres were almost curving graphitic structure with diameters from 300 to 400 nm. G mode centre of carbon microspheres had shifted upward compared with graphite. As an efficient precursor, asphaltenes were metastable structures at higher temperature. The aromatic carbon rings of asphaltenes promoted the formation of closed cage graphitic structures. The results provide a new perspective for the application of asphaltene. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.