Bi2Mn4O10 powder samples with controllable morphologies were prepared by a simple one-step hydrothermal route. By changing the species and concentration of mineralizer, various morphologies were obtained, such as shuttle-like, lump-like, sheet-like, and donut-like particles. The resulting products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscope, magnetic and dielectric measurement. The morphology of Bi2Mn4O10 powder is affected by various factors such as holding temperature, species and concentration of mineralizer. The lowest holding temperature for synthesis of pure phase of Bi2Mn4O10 is 220 degrees C. When the concentration of KOH increases from 2 mol/L to 8 mol/L, the particles evolve from shuttle-like to lump-like. Changing the mineralizer from KOH to NaOH, sheet-like particles were obtained. Magnetic measurements reveal that Bi2Mn4O10 shows paramagnetic nature at room temperature and weak ferromagnetic property at low temperature. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.