We investigated the properties of CuO nanostructures fabricated from copper(II) nitrate hydrate solutions as a function of synthesis temperature, concentration, and pH value of the solution. The properties of the fabricated nanostructures were studied using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. We found that the morphology of the obtained structures is strongly dependent on both pH value of the solution and the synthesis temperature. Synthesis conditions, such as solution concentration, temperature, and pH value, also affect the adhesion of the fabricated structures to the substrate, which is of importance for practical applications. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.