LiNbO3 nanocrystal was successfully prepared via a simple and convenient hydrothermal route using LiOH and Nb2O5 as the reactants. Transmission electron microscopy images shows that the as-prepared sample displays a flake-like shape of 40-100 nm. X-ray diffraction, IR spectrum and Raman spectra of the as-prepared sample indicates that the sample was well crystalline and of high purity. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.