Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been synthesized over Ni-MgO and Ni-Sm-MgO catalysts by decomposition of CH₄ at 650 ℃. The addition of Sm into Ni-MgO catalyst not only promotes the catalytic activity and lifetime of the catalyst, but also improves the graphitization and heat stability of carbon nanotubes. The yield of CNTs obtained over the Ni-10Sm-MgO catalyst reaches 33 g C·(g Ni)^-1, being more than 5 times higher than that of the Ni-MgO catalyst. XRD and TPR results of the catalysts indicate that there is a remarkable interaction of Ni with Sm species, which facilitates the reduction of nickel and restrains the Ni particles from agglomerating.