Bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) nanowhiskers were prepared via a microwave-assisted route in organic solvent through the reaction of thiourea and bismuth nitrate in the presence of poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone). The detailed reaction progress was followed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The morphology of the as-prepared Bi2S3 nanowhiskers was filaments extending radially from a nucleation site. The formation of the nanowhiskers was similar to the VLS crystal growth mechanism. The influence of PVP and sulfur sources on the morphology of the prepared Bi2S3 was also investigated. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.