Carbon nanotubes are synthesized by catalytic pyrolysis method with a kind of new type catalyst--nickel-zinc-alumina catalyst prepared from Feitknecht compound. Tubular carbon nanotubes, bamboo-shaped carbon naotubes, herringbone carbon nanotubues and branched carbon nanotubes are all found formed at moderate temperature. It is important for the formation of quasi-liquid state of the metal nanoparticles at the tip of carbon naotubes during the growth of carbon nanotubes to lead to different kinds of carbon nanotubes. It is likely that the addition of zinc make the activity of nickel catalyst after calcinations and reduction changed strangely.