A simple method to synthesize silver or silver sulfide nanoparticle-decorated nanotubes without additional templating molecules or thermal treatment is reported in this study. Silver precursor ions were transferred to organic phase using phase-transfer agent from the aqueous precursor and organic solvent mixture, and then reduced to form nanoparticle-decorated nanotubes under the guidance of the self-assembled alkylthiol molecules at room temperature without additional templates. During the reduction of the precursor metal ions, the alkylthiol molecules formed cylindrical template as well as capped silver and silver sulfide nanoparticles, simultaneously. Through this multifunctional role of alkylthiol molecules, one-step preparation of nanoparticle-decorated nanotubes or nanorods was achieved. A series of control experiments were carried out in order to survey the effect of thiol amount on the nanotube formation. The concentration of alkylthiol was turned out to be a key factor determining the final morphology of the product. In addition, the nanotube formation is governed by the type of metal precursor ion used. These results will provide an advanced synthesis method on the alkylthiol-based nanotubes decorated with functional nanoparticles. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.