Nanostructured beta-Ga2O3 samples were prepared by a combination of the solvothermal processes and subsequent heat treatments. beta-Ga2O3 samples with various morphologies were obtained by using different kinds of solvent, including water, isopropanol and ethylene glycol. One-dimensional beta-Ga2O3 nanorods were obtained in water medium, while beta-Ga2O3 spheres were prepared in alcohol. The possible mechanism related to the phase formation and morphology of the as-prepared materials was discussed. Photocatalytic performance of the synthesized beta-Ga2O3 samples was also examined. Results revealed that beta-Ga2O3 sample prepared with ethylene glycol showed the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of salicylic acid. This could be ascribed to the high surface area, abundant hydroxyl groups, and wide band gap of beta-Ga2O3 sample synthesized in ethylene glycol. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.