Carbon nanotubes are prepared by the method of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis for the first time. The initial components for this synthesis are carboniferous materials (soda, limestone, and Teflon) and reducers (magnesium, lithium, and sodium) with addition of a nickel or iron catalyst. The morphology of the nanotubes (straight multiwall nanotubes apparently free of a catalyst, bent nanotubes completely filled with a catalyst, and carbon nanofibers) is similar to that of nanotubes grown by chemical methods. The nanotubes account for 2-4 wt % of the product synthesized.