One-dimensional Sb2S3 and SbSe3 crystals with straw-tied-like architectures have been successfully prepared in high yield by a one-pot hydrothermal method using water-soluble potassium antimony tartrate as antimony source. X-ray powder diffraction results and electron diffraction (ED) analysis show that the Sb2S3 wires and Sb2Se3 rods have a preferential growth direction along their c-axis. The peculiarities of the one-dimensional (I-D) growth mechanism are discussed. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.