Bi2Te3 nanocrystals with various shapes such as sheet, rag, sheet-rod and rod shapes were synthesized via a solvothermal process based on the reaction between BiCl3 and Te in N,N-dimethylformamide at 100-180 degreesC at the present of organic addition and/or reducing agent. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). KBH4 was used as a reducing agent. Organic additive plays a key role in the formation of the lamellar structures. A possible formation mechanism is proposed. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.