The selenium submicrotubes were directly prepared using Se powder as selenium source by microwave-assisted method. Field-emission scan electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were adopted to characterize the as-prepared products. The results of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and XRD pattern proved that the selenium submicrotubes were single crystalline in nature and [001] oriented. A possible growth mechanism of the selenium submicrotubes was proposed. The effects of the experimental conditions, such as alkaline concentration and solvent properties. on the morphology and dimension of the products have also been discussed. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.