Hexagonal and monoclinic CePO4 nanowires about 5-50 nm in diameter and up to several micrometers long were prepared through hydrothermal reaction in 100degreesC and 200degreesC, respectively. The temperature and the pH value influence on the product were investigated. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectra, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.