NiSe2 tubular microcrystals assembled of nanoparticles have been prepared via a hydrothermal method in an ethanolamine and water mixed solution assisted by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The prepared tubular crystals with hexagonal structure are composed of nanoparticles with average diameter of 30 nm. It was found that the phase of the products could be adjusted by the molar ratio of the reactants (Ni/Se), and the morphology of the products could be greatly influenced by the quantity of surfactant PVA. Based on the experimental results, the possible formation mechanism of NiSe2 tubular microcrystals is also discussed. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.