Fusiform hexagonal prism SrCO3 microrods were prepared by a simple solvothermal route at 120 degrees C, and characterized by Xray powder diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. By controlling the content of ethylene glycol (EG), it was found that ethylene glycol (EG) played an important role in the formation of such SrCO3 microrods. Finally, effects of other solvents on the products, including 1,2-propanediol and glycerin, were also investigated. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.