Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing single-wall carbon nanotubes. The method of the invention comprises the steps of (a) providing a plasma torch having a plasma tube with a plasma-discharging end; (b) feeding an inert gas through the plasma tube to form a primary plasma; (c) contacting a carbon-containing substance and a metal catalyst with the primary plasma at the plasma-discharging end of the plasma tube, to form a secondary plasma containing atoms or molecules of carbon and atoms of the metal catalyst; and (d) condensing the atoms or molecules of carbon and the atoms of the metal catalyst to form single-wall carbon nanotubes.