One-dimensional SnO2 nanobelts have been prepared in large scale via rapid oxidation of elemental tin at the temperature range from 1080 to 1250 degreesC. Transmission electron microscopic studies show that the as-synthesized SnO2 nanobelts appear to be single crystals but some of which are found to have steps at the surface of the nanobelts. Atomic imaging stretching over the belt width gives the trace that the growth might be associated with a layer-by-layer mode. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier B.V.