The invention relates to a process for formation of carbon nanotubes. The process comprises laser ablation of a bulk metal catalyst within a hydrocarbon solution to produce a feedstock containing metal catalyst nanoparticles. The feedstock is atomizing to form a feedstock aerosol. The aerosol is heated to form naotubes. An apparatus for forming carbon nanotubes is also disclosed. Nanoparticles formed in the feedstock according to the invention can be controlled to achieve a narrow size distribution, which ultimately allows for good control over size and chirality of the nanotubes formed.