The primary aim of the present paper is focused on the gram-scale (> 1 g) synthesis and characterization of graphitic/carbon nanofibers (GNF). The GNFs were grown by spray pyrolysis of benzene. The optimum growth conditions for the high-yield GNFs are as follows: spray nozzle diameter (inner diameter) similar to 0.52 mm, flow rate of benzene solution similar to 5 ml/min with reaction temperature similar to 750 degrees C and flow rate of hydrogen as carrier gas similar to 1500 cc/min. The structural and microstructural characterizations have been evaluated by X-ray diffraction and transmission as well as by Scanning electron microscopy. The typical length and diameter are similar to 60 mu m and similar to 250nm, respectively. Most of the GNF samples exhibit coiled/helical-like fibers. The yield of GNF in the spray pyrolysis growth mode has been found to be of the order of gram-scale (1.45 g) per run. The details of the experimental parameters for optimum growth conditions have been studied and will be described. (c) 2008 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.