Sb2Se3 nanoplates have been synthesized by a solvothermal method in mixtures of tetrahydrofuran and diethylenetriamine at 120 degrees C with the help of sodium tartrate. The as-prepared samples were determined by means of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM). Some experimental parameters influencing the formation of Sb2Se3 nanoplates were systematically investigated. Based on the electron microscope observations, a self-assembly process and Ostwald ripening mechanism was proposed for explaining the formation of the Sb2Se3 nanoplates. The electrochemical hydrogen storage measurements reveal that the Sb2Se3 nanoplates show a high discharging capacity of 237 mA h g(-1) at room temperature. Copyright (C) 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.