Wurtzite ZnSe 1D nanowires with 10-100 nm in diameter and up to several micrometers in length were successfully synthesized through molecular precursor decomposition by solvothermal method at 220 degrees C for 15 h, where hydrazine served as not only reduction agent but also complexing agent and molecular template. The products were characterized by XRD, FTIR, TG-DSC, TEM (SAED), UV-vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectrum. In-depth investigation indicated that the as-prepared 1D nanocrystals had [001] preferential orientation and showed a room-temperature photoluminescent property. The possible growth mechanism was also proposed. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.