One-dimensional metal selenides Bi3Se4, Cu2-xSe, SnSe2, and MSe (M = Cd2+, Ni2+, Ph2+) crystals were produced through the reactions of selenium powder with metal salts under solvothermal conditions in hydrazine hydrate. X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy characterized the products. Solvent hydrazine hydrate plays a crucial role in the formation of these selenides. The U-V-Vis absorption and photoluminescence spectra of SnSe2 were presented. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.