Vertically-aligned diameter-controlled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are synthesised by the plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) method using multi-layers of self-assembled catalytic ligand-coated iron oxide nanoparticles. We find that the mono-dispersed nanoparticles play a vital role for the production of diameter-controlled CNTs. A new growth model is also proposed based on the experimental results. The present results may make a great contribution to the development and design of mechanical, electronic and biomedical devices, in which diameter-controlled CNTs are utilised. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.