We report a novel method for preparing uniform and aligned ZnO nanowire arrays embedded in anodic alumina membranes by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The effects of colloidal concentration and heat treatment oil the characteristics of ZnO arrays are investigated. X-ray diffraction. scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ultraviolet visible (UV-VIS) spectrophotometry were employed. Highly aligned ZnO arrays have been successfully prepared using this method. The results show that with an increase in the colloidal concentration the growth rate will be decreased, while the crystallite size will be enhanced. The spectroscopic result indicates that a blue shift can be observed. The effect of heat treatment can result in the sharpening of XRD peak for ZnO. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.