Method and apparatus for producing nanotubes

The invention relates to a method for producing single-wall nanotubes in a reaction chamber (15) sealingly enclosing an inert gas, in which method, during a production cycle, an electric arc is created between a cathode (20 ) and an anode (23) hollow containing a powder mixture of graphite and catalyst is maintained in the electric arc adjusting the distance between the anode and the cathode to compensate for the anode consumption in the production cycle , and recovering the products deposited including the cup of the cathode after the consumption of the anode, characterized in that one adjusts the distance between the anode and the cathode, by measuring the intensity of the supplied electric current in the circuit, and by moving one of the electrodes based on the measurement of intensity in order to maintain the latter in a range of setpoint values ​​predeterminees.Avantageusement an anode is replaced consumed by a new anode, while maintaining the tightness of the reaction chamber.