The SnO2 sub-microrod arrays have been fabricated by using PVA-assisted solvothermal method in our experiment for the first time. The analyses of XRD, TEM and SAED show the existence of face-centered cubic phase SnO2 in the as-prepared sub-microrod structures. In addition, the comparitive study of the as-prepared and 800degreesC calcined SnO2 sub-microrod arrays also attests the recrystallizing process between cubic and rutile phase. This phase transition begins at 391.0degreesC and accomplishes at 448.3degreesC. By DLA pattern. we proposed a self-assemble model for Sn4- precipitation oil PVA 'seed' template to explain the mechanism of SnO2 sub-microrod growth. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.