A successful attempt to grow carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by electrodeposition. technique for the first time is reported here. Carbon nanotubes were grown on Si (001) substrate using acetonitrile (1% v/v) and water as electrolyte at an applied d.c. potential similar to 20 V The films were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Raman, optical absorbance, Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy (FTIR) and Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) measurements. The effect of magnetic field on the growth of nanotubes was studied critically. It was found that the presence of magnetic field during electro-deposition played a crucial role on the growth of carbon nanotubes and hence the electronic properties. Photoluminescence (PL) studies indicated band edge luminescence similar to 0.72-0.83 eV. Field emission studies indicated lower turn-on voltage and higher current density for films deposited with magnetic field. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.