Cu-containing ternary chalcogenides (Cu4SnS4, Cu2SnS3, Cu3SnS4, and Cu2SnSe4) were successfully synthesized by adjusting the stoichiometric proportion of the starting materials via a simple and convenient solvothermal reaction of copper powder, tin powder with sulfur or selenium powder in the temperature range of 250-300degreesC for 10-12 h. X-ray diffraction pattern, transmission electron microscope images, electronic diffraction pattern and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the products. Results showed that the coordinating ability of ethylenediamine and the reaction temperature played significant roles in the growth of Cu-Sn-E (E = S, Se) semiconductor nanocrystallites and the electron-transfer reaction. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.