Single-crystalline metallic bismuth nanowires have been successfully prepared by a solvothermal process at low temperatures, using aqueous bismuth nitrate [Bi(NO3)(3) . 5H(2)O] and ethylene diamine (H2NCH2CH2NH2) as starting materials. Characterizations have been carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The diameter of the nanowires is about 20-30 nm and lengths range from 0.2 to 2.5 mum. The reduction of bismuth ions (Bi3+) and formation mechanism of nanowire were discussed based on the characteristic of the-reaction system employed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.