The synthesis of bismuth nanotubes in the conditions of microwave (MW) heating is reported as a lower-cost and simple technique in comparison with the traditional methods. The nanotubes were prepared by heating the Bi powder (a) in air for 15, 30, 60, and 90 min and (b) in vacuum for 5, 10, and 15 min in a domestic MW-oven (2.45 GHz, 1300 W). The products were characterized by TEM and AFM. A mechanism of formation for bismuth nanotubes in different conditions (air and vacuum) is presented. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.