Wide band gap Be (x) Zn1-x O nanorod arrays on Zn foil substrates have been successfully prepared for the first time by a facile hydrothermal method at 80 A degrees C for 24 h. The structure, morphology, and optical properties of the nanorod arrays were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy, and photoluminescence (PL). The composition x and band gap energy of the Be (x) Zn1-x O nanorod arrays were calculated from XRD and PL results, respectively. The results show that the PL emission peak energy increased with increasing x, as expected, and these materials should be suitable for developing UV-based optoelectronics.