In this work, synthesis of CuInS2 semiconductor nanoparticles by thermolysis of a mixed solution of CuAc, In(Ac)(3) and DDT in coordinating solvent and trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) as ligand was developed. CuInS2 nanoparticles with size of -10 nm and nanorods were obtained and optical properties controlled by adjusting the reaction parameters such as temperature and time. Also the shape of nanoparticles was controlled by various solvents elaborately. The as-prepared nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis absorption, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. With the use of different solvent different morphology obtained. In the presence of oleylamine/octadecene rectangle-like nanorods obtained while with the use of oleic acid sphere-like nanoparticles achieved. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.