We described a novel and simple one-step, solid-state route for the synthesis of crystalline CuS nanorods using surfactant, C18H37(CH2CH2O)(10)H, as shape controller. The diameters of the as-prepared CuS nanorods are in the range of 10-60 nm and lengths are up to 5 mu m. The crystallinity, purity, morphology, structural features and UV-vis optical absorption spectra of the as-prepared nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, optical absorption spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectra. The role of surfactant, C18H37(CH2CH2O)(10)H, in the formation of CuS nanorods has been discussed. The result indicated that the surfactant played a key role for the formation of CuS nanorods. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.