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• Scaly-like hollow SnSe nanotubes (NTs) were synthesized by a green and rapid solution method. • Light utilization efficiency is improved due to unique scaly-like hollow structure and large surface area of the SnSe NTs. • SnSe NTs infrared photodetector can realize efficient and stable IR light detection free of the external power. [Display omitted] SnSe nanotubes (NTs) have been successfully synthesized via a simple solution method. The as-synthesized tubular crystals with orthorhombic structure are composed of numerous scaly nanosheets which distributed hierarchically. The average diameter of the SnSe NTs is roughly 180 nm and length primarily concentrate in the range of 1–3 µm. It was found that Se nanowires were served as a template and as an only source of Se ion for the formation of SnSe NTs. Furthermore, a novel self-powered infrared photodetector (IRPD) established on the SnSe NTs with desirable detection performance was fabricated. Exposed to IR illumination of 830 nm, the SnSe NTs IRPD displays a maximal photocurrent density of 46.46 nA/cm2 and a rapid photoresponse, together with the rise time and decay time approach up to 0.174 s and 0.349 s, respectively. Meanwhile, it can be recognized that the SnSe NTs IRPD remain consistent and repeatable at zero voltage. Moreover, a plausible mechanism for IR detection based on the SnSe NTs IRPD are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]