SnO2 nanograss array films (SNAFs) were synthesized on indium tin oxide glass substrates by hydrothermal method. The effects of preparing conditions such as precursor concentration, reaction temperature and growth time on the formation of the SNAFs have been investigated in detail by scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectrum. It is shown that the precursor concentration plays an important role in determining the morphology of the prepared SnO2. The average diameter, length and growth rate of the SNAFs can be controlled to some extent by varying growth time. The reaction temperature has also influence on the growth rate of SNAFs. Moreover, the growth mechanism of the SNAFs was also discussed. Room-temperature photoluminescence spectra were further carried out to investigate their optical properties. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.