Biomorphic CuO crystals with ordered hierarchical micro- and nanostructures were fabricated via a simple one-step thermal decomposition of CuSO4 center dot 5H(2)O precursor by using various biotemplates. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis spectrometer (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. The primary morphologies of the biomorphic CuO were determined on different biotemplates, and the size of the secondary CuO crystals was well controlled by the varying of calcination temperature. This simple thermal decomposition method provides a cost-effective and eco-friendly route for the preparation of metal oxide semiconductors. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V.