We report a simple and fast one-step solution-phase approach for the synthesis of Ni(SO4)(0.3)(OH)(1.4) nanobelts by a triethanolamine (TEA)-assisted hydrothermal route. The chemical compositions and morphologies of the as-prepared samples were characterized in detail by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The experimental results indicate that TEA acts as both the precipitator and chelating reagent in the reaction system. The possible reaction mechanism and formation mechanism of Ni(SO4)(0.3)(OH)(1.4) nanobelts are proposed, which possibly facilitate to explore the structure relationships of beta-Ni(OH)(2) and Ni(SO4)(0.3)(OH)(1.4). (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.