The reduction process of tenorite whiskers grown on a copper mesh by heating in vacuum has been directly observed using a transmission electron microscope equipped with a real-time video-recording system. The coating of the carbon layer and reduction of the tenorite whisker covered with a carbon layer have also been captured in real time on video images. The growth process of an amorphous carbon tube has been elucidated. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.