Rectangular cross-section AlN nanotibers have been synthesized by a simple chemical vapor deposition method using Al, Fe2O3 and NH3 as reactants at 800 degrees C. The nanotibers, which are single-crystalline hexagonal wurtzite AlN growing along [001] direction, are several hundreds of micrometers in length and 10-200 nm in width. The growth mechanism of this nanostructure at relatively low temperature was discussed, and it is revealed that Fe2O3 plays a key role in lowering the synthesis temperature. This nanofiber can be expected to serve as reinforcement for electrical packaging and structural composites, and piezoelectric nanosensors, etc. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.