Formation of fullerene soot was studied in an inductively coupled, radiofrequency (RF) thermal plasma reactor. A previously developed kinetic model of fullerene formation was applied to determine synthesis conditions leading to high fullerene yield. The experimental results verified the kinetic model. Maximum yield of 4.1% was obtained in particular conditions. It corresponded to a fullerene production rate of 6.4 g h(-1). (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.