In this work, we describe the direct growth of carbon nanofilaments by the catalytic decomposition of ethanol on untreated polycrystalline Ni foil. Our work focuses on the effects of synthesis conditions on the growth of the carbon nanofilaments and their growth mechanism. Direct growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is more favorable on lower-purity Ni foil. The highest yield was obtained at approximately 750 degrees C. The average diameter of the CNTs was approximately 20-30 nm. Raman spectra revealed that the increase of H-2 concentration in the carrier gas and synthesis temperature induced the growth of better-graphitized CNTs. Additionally, we investigated the anticorrosion properties of as-prepared products under simulated seawater conditions. The corrosion rate of the CNT/Ni foil system was maximally 50-60 times slower than that of the as-received Ni foil, indicating that the CNT coating may be a good candidate for corrosion inhibition. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.