Nanotubes and nanorods of molybdenum disulfide have been successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method under a low temperature (180 degreesC). The nanotubes and nanorods are characterized by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Temperature plays an important role in the morphology of the prepared MoS2, and a rolling mechanism is related to the formation of the nanotubes and nanorods. The mechanism of the reaction is also tentatively discussed here. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.