  A series of experiments has identified mechanisms of carbon nano- and
micro-structure formation at room temperature, without catalyst and in the
environment of immiscible metallic surroundings. The structures include
threaded nano fibres, graphitic sheets and carbon onions. Copper as substrate
was used due to its immiscibility with carbon. Energetic carbon ions of 0.2-2.0
MeV irradiated Cu targets. Cu substrates, apertures and 3 mm diameter
Transmission Electron Microscope copper grids were implanted with the carbon.
We observed wide range of micrometer-size structures formed on Cu grids and
along the edges of the irradiated apertures. These are shown to be threaded
nano fibers (TNF) of few micrometer thicknesses with lengths varying from 10 to
3000 micrometer. Secondary electron microscopy (SEM) identifies the
micrometer-size structures while Confocal microscopy was used to learn about
the mechanisms by which C1+ irradiated Cu provides the growth environment. Huge
carbon onions of diameters ranging from hundreds of nm to {\mu}m were observed
in the as-grown and annealed samples. Transformations of the nanostructures
were observed under prolonged electron irradiations of SEM and TEM. One of the
immediate outcomes of our present study is relevant for the efforts to
fabricate carbon onions with specific properties.
