Cu(OH)(2) and CuO nanoribbon arrays aligned approximately perpendicular to copper substrate surfaces are synthesized by the solution-treatment and subsequent heat-treatment processes. The Cu(OH)(2) nanoribbons are fabricated by a simple coordination self-assembly method in an alkaline solution with Cu2+ ions being from the surface oxidation of copper. The CuO nanoribbons are formed by removing water from the Cu(OH)(2) nanoribbons through heat treatment. The nanoribbons are similar to50-60 nm in average width and several nanometers in thickness, and the lengths can be well-controlled by varying the reaction temperature and time interval. Transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution TEM, scanning electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and X-ray diffraction techniques have been used to characterize the microstructures and morphologies of the nanoribbon materials.