Oriented carbon films with novel structure were prepared by microwave plasma from heavy oil residue.The prepared films were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy

high resolution transmission electron microscopy

X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy.The products were formed with high purity

and oriented as the shape of a strip-like wheat spike.The outer layers of the spike have a higher degree of crystallization

the maximum width and length are about 65 nm and 900 nm

respectively

while the central parts are amorphous.It was suggested that the products experienced a process from outer to inner growth.Some metals existed in the deoiled asphalt

such as Ni and Fe

may contribute as catalyst to the aligned carbon film growth.