The present disclosure provides systems and methods for production of nanostmctures using a plasma generator. In an embodiment, a system for use with a reactor for synthesis of nanostmctures may include a chamber defining a pathway for directing a fluid mixture for the synthesis of nanostmctures through the chamber. The system may further include one or more heating zones disposed along the chamber to provide a temperature gradient in the chamber to form catalyst particles upon which nanostmctures can be generated from the components of the fluid mixture. The system may also include a plasma generator for generating a plasma flame in a conduit through which the fluid mixture may be passed to decompose a carbon source in the fluid mixture into its constituent atoms before proceeding into the reactor for formation of nanostmctures.