Different morphologies of ZnO nanostructures were fabricated by changing the type of starting material (ZnO powder vs. ZnO nanoparticles, graphite vs. carbon nanotubes). The structure of deposited materials was investigated by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction. The obtained shapes and sizes of ZnO nanostructures were found to be strongly dependent on the type and quantity of starting materials, which control the release of Zn vapor and thusly control the diameter and shape of fabricated structures. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.