Submicron Se and Te rod-like crystals were successfully synthesized via a rapid polyol process by refluxing Na2EO3 (E=Se, Te) and (NH3)(2)S2O3 in ethylene glycol at 180 degreesC for 0.5 h under vigorous stirring. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and XPS procedures. Studies found that reaction time and temperature have great influences on the morphology of the final products. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.