Tubular copper sulfide (CuS) microcrystal and flower-like CuS microsphere have been synthesized by simple hydrothermal route at 75 degrees C using CuCl2-2H(2)O as Cu-precursor, C2H5NS as S-source and CTAB as the template. The effect of concentration of reactants and template molecules on morphology has been discussed. X-ray diffraction pattern suggests that the CuS crystals are pure hexagonal phase. The morphology of the products has been studied by scanning electron microscope analysis. The absorption peaks of CuS in UV and near-IR regions indicate that the as-prepared CuS are promising in the development of photoelectric devices. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.