High-yield one-dimensional (1D)-nanostructured NH(4)LnF(4) (Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd and Tb) were grown by templatefree solvothermal approach at 150 degrees C. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), photoluminescence spectra, and thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) have been employed to characterize the products. The 1D-nanostructured LnF(3) (Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd and Tb) can be obtained by calcination corresponding to 1D-nanostructured NH(4)LnF(4). The possible growth mechanism of 1D-structured NH(4)LnF(4) (Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd and Tb) was discussed. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.