Semiconducting Tin(II) monosulfide nanowires, nanorods and nanoparticles were successfully selectively prepared using SnCl2.2H(2)O and thiourea (Tu) as the raw materials by appropriately choosing different alkaline solution as reaction media. The SnS nanowires are uniform with diameters 30-70 nm and lengths 3-10 mum, the nanorods are about several micrometers long with average width of 60-200 nm and the nanoparticles have an even diameter of about 510 nm. Compared to the previous reports, the present method is relatively simple, without using complex apparatus, and manipulated conveniently, which may be favorable for industrial application in the future. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.