beta-La2S3 nanorods, with diameters of 30-50 nm and lengths of 600-1000 nm, were successfully prepared via a solvothermal route at low temperature. The obtained sample was investigated by means of X-ray powder diffraction, Transmission electronic microscopy and X-ray photoelectronic spectra. The room-temperature photoluminescence spectra of the as-prepared beta-La2S3 nanorods show a wide emission band peaking at about 420 nm. The possible mechanism for the formation of beta-La2S3 nanorods was proposed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.