Orthorhombic Sb2Se3 belts are synthesized via a hydrothermal treatment at 200 degrees C and pH = 9-10 for 16 h. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) images show that as-obtained Sb2Se3 belts are with a typical width in the range of 200-400 nm and length up to 20 mu m. High-resolution transmission electron microscopic (HRTEM) studies reveal that the Sb2Se3 are oriented in the [001] growth direction. The influences of poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and the reaction conditions on the formation of belt-like Sb2Se3 microstructures are discussed. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.