Gadolinium-doped (0.8 at.%) graphite anodes were dc arced to produce different nanocarbons. Emission spectroscopy was performed to determine the temperature and column density distributions of C-2 (a (3)Pi(u) v=0) in the arc plasma under 13.3 and 60 kPa pressures in helium atmosphere. The solid products were analyzed by UV-VIS, TOF MS, HR SEM, and TEM techniques. The influence of metal catalyst on the formation of C-60, and endohedral fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes is discussed.