Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) with a controlled structure were synthesized through an attractive method based on the decomposition of methane in arc plasma processing. The effects of argon and methane flow rate, electrode material, and input electronic current on the morphology and CNPs' size were studied. The size and morphology of CNPs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Surface area and microstructure were characterized through BET surface area analysis, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the BET surface area and resistivity of the CNPs were decreased with increasing input electronic current. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.