Novel aloe-like tin bisulfide (SnS2) nanostructures were successfully synthesized via a thioglycolic acid (TGA) assisted hydrothermal process. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were used to characterize the product. XRD pattern reveals that the product is well-crystallized SnS2 with hexagonal structure. TEM and FESEM images clearly show an aloe-like nanostructure that is made from several single crystalline leaves. Furthermore, the possible growth mechanism is discussed. (c) 2006 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.