Novel sphere-like CuS hierarchical structures are fabricated by solvothermal approach without any surfactant and template. SEM and TEM characterizations show that the CuS sphere-like structures are composed of tens to hundreds of well-arranged and self-assembled nanoplates with a thickness of about 20 nm. The effects of dosage of CuCl(2)center dot 6H(2)O, temperature and reaction time on the morphology of the products are systematically investigated and the results indicate that the CuS sphere-like hierarchical structures can only be obtained under certain experimental conditions. The possible formation mechanism of the CuS hierarchical structures is proposed. In addition, the possibility of using CuS as the electrode material for lithium ion batteries is studied. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.