Onion-like fullerenes (OLFs) were synthesized in high yields from coal by radio frequency plasma. The morphologies and structures of the products were characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Results reveal that OLFs can be prepared from coal with high purity. The particles display a clear polyhedral or quasi-spherical morphology with hollow center, having an average diameter ranging from 10 nm to 3 5 nm and high degree of graphitization. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.