The effects of Zn(OAc)(2) concentrations and chemical nature of supporting electrolytes on the galvanic deposition of ZnO have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis. The results show that the taper-like ZnO crystals are apt to be produced at lower Zn(OAc)(2) concentrations, while the rod-like ZnO crystals tend to be grown at higher Zn (OAc)(2) concentrations. The photoluminescence of as-prepared ZnO nanorods shows that there exist a strong UV emission band, a broad blue band at 468 nm, and a very weak green band at 550 nm. The blue-shift of UV emission is attributed to the Cl doping of ZnO in chloride electrolyte. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.