Junction structures of copper nanorods with a high yield and uniform morphology were prepared using a novel soft template, which consisted of poly (ethylene glycol) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. X-ray diffractometer, transmission electron microscope and field emitting scan electron microscope studies of the phase, microstructure and morphology of the products were carried out. The absorption spectrum of the product showed an obvious red-shift due to the nanorod junction feature. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved