The present invention encompasses methods and apparatus for creating metal
nanoparticles embedded in a carbonaceous char, the conversion of an
carbonaceous char with embedded metallic nanoparticles to
graphite-encased nano-sized metal particles surrounded by char, the
separation of the graphite encased metal particles from the char matrix,
and the related preparation and isolation of carbon nanosphere materials
with or without the enclosed metal nanoparticles, and the uses of such
carbon nanospheres and graphite enclosed metal nanoparticles as supports
and enhancers for fuel cell electrocatalysts and other applications.