InVO4 powders in the shape of rod-like, cubic-like, irregular particle and brick-like have been successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method in the presence of different organic additives, namely, CTAB, SIDS, PVP, and EDTA. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). From the experimental results, it has been revealed that there is optimal pH range (pH <= 7.0) for the formation of pure InVO4 and the organic additives play a key role in the formation of the products with different morphologies and sizes. Gas sensing behavior of this material to ethanol and ammonia has been studied. The gas sensors constructed by the InVO4 particles with different morphologies show different sensitivity to ethanol. It is also found that the sensor based on InVO4 is more sensitive to ethanol than to ammonia. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.