The technological possibilities harnessed by carbon nanostructure devices and materials have resulted in a worldwide anticipation of unprecedented advances in the realm of molecular electronics and smart materials. However, the true potentials of carbon nanostructures are yet to be unleashed. One of the main reasons for this is the lack of control in their growth and handling. Despite many studies centered on their synthesis, our understanding of the fundamental patterns involved in their nucleation and growth processes remain somewhat limited. In this presentation recent studies of carbon nanotube, nanofibre and graphene growth through the development of ceramic catalysts are discussed. In addition, the post engineering of sp2 carbon nanostructures via electron beam irradiation are presented.