Metallic Zn and Cd nanowires were produced by a simple thermal evaporation process using their respective sulfide powders as the precursors. Metallic nanowires were found to be of pure phase without the presence of any sulfide or oxide phases. These nanowires were single crystalline. Diameters of both the Zn and Cd nanowires varied within 100-150 nm and their lengths were approximately a few micrometers. Crystal structure, phase and chemical purity of the nanowires were characterized by XRD and EDAX The morphology and crystallinity of the products were revealed by SEM and TEM studies. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.