Novel Cu nanostructures were synthesized by a solid-stabilized emulsion route. The products were characterized with scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersion spectrum (EDS) and size analysis. The SEM images showed that the Cu nanostructures were flower-like and made up of petals with an average thickness of about 90 nm. The XRD trace showed that the Cu nanostructures were of face-centered cubic lattice. The EDS analysis indicated that only a few of the Cu atoms in the nanostructures were oxidized, though no protective reagents were used in the synthesis procedure. A solid-solution-solid mechanism for the formation of the Cu flower-like nanostructures was discussed. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.