The aluminum oxy-hydroxide (AlOOH) nanorod and nanotube array are synthesized by hydrothermal treatment of the anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes. This method might be a simple and efficient approach for fabrication of AlOOH nano-materials with controlled morphology. A possible mechanism on the hydrothermal growth is proposed and validated by the experimental results. The obtained AlOOH nanorod and nanotube arrays are anticipated to improve their performances as catalysts and absorbents and broaden their applications in the fields of biology and nanotechnology. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.