PbS nanorod bundles have been synthesized via a surfactant-assisted biphasic interface reaction route at 160 degreesC for 20 h. The as-prepared nanorods have diameter of 30 nm and length of 0.8 mum. Based on the observation of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, it is found that the amount of sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) plays a crucial role on the morphology of the products. The formation of one-dimensional (1D) PbS nanostructures could be ascribed to the confined growth between surfactant chains. A possible mechanism is also discussed. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.