We report a simple way to synthesize carbon nanotubes and nanostructures fr
om the solid phase. Vacuum annealing of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films or
polyethylene mixed with catalyst in argon atmosphere leads to the formation
of nanotubes and nanostructures. High-resolution transmission electron mic
roscopy studies reveal highly graphitized multi-walled nanotubes (MWNTs) or
amorphous fibre-like structures, depending on the catalyst amount. This sy
nthesis process may give a new approach to understanding the phase transiti
on of different carbon allotropes into nanotubes or nanostructures.