A method is disclosed for making graphenic carbon particles. The method includes introducing a hydrocarbon precursor material into a thermal zone (20), heating the hydrocarbon precursor material in the thermal zone to form the graphenic carbon particles from the hydrocarbon precursor material, and collecting the graphenic carbon particles. The hydrocarbon precursor material may comprise a hydrocarbon and/or methane capable of forming a two-carbon-fragment species. Apparatus (20) for performing such a method, and graphenic particles produced by the method, are also disclosed.