Sb2S3 nanowires with high aspect ratios have been successfully prepared on a large scale using SbCl3 and Na2S as starting materials in ethylene glycol at 200degreesC for 10 h. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images and transmission electron microscopy images show that the nanowires have diameters in the range of 20-100 run and lengths up to 50 mum. Diffuse reflection spectrum indicates that the as-prepared Sb2S3 nanowires have obvious quantum size effects. The effects of reaction parameters on the growth of nanowires were discussed. A possible mechanism on the formation of the Sb2S3 nanowires was proposed. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.