Single-crystal Sb2S3 nanorods, dendrite-like superstructures and straw-tied-like architectures were successfully synthesized via a novel precursor-solvothermal-pyrolysis route at similar to 160degreesC. The as-prepared dendrites and straw-tied-like architectures were composed of sheaves of Sb2S3 nanorods with typical diameters of 40-120 nm and lengths up to 10 mum, which yields exceptionally high aspect ratios of 50-200. It is found that the reaction temperature, time and solvent play important roles in the formation of the final Sb2S3 nanorod-based products. The possible mechanism is briefly discussed for the growth of the Sb2S3 superstructural crystals. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.