Ni3Bi2S2 nanoribbons were synthesized via self-template method at mild condition, using Bi2S3 nanoribbons, NiCl(2)(.)6H(2)O, NaOH, ethylenediamine and ethylene glycol as starting materials. Here Bi2S3 nanoribbons are served both as raw materials and templates. The samples were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image reveal that the morphology of the sample is ribbon-shape structure. The length of the individual nanoribbon is up to several micrometers and the width of the nanoribbons is about 90nm. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectrum confirms the composition of the as-prepared products. A self-template mechanism was proposed. This material with nanoribbon structure has not been reported before. As the method is very convenient and simple, it may be employed in the preparation of other complicated materials. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.