Uniform rod-like and multi-pod-like ZnO whiskers were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal process. The precursor used in the hydrothermal process is a mixture of Zn(OH)(2) and polyethylene glycol. Single-crystalline ZnO whiskers in diameters of similar to150 nm and lengths of 2-4 mum were obtained at 200degreesC for 10 h. The rod-like ZnO whiskers have sharp tips that are only several nanometers. Multi-pod-like ZnO whiskers with six or more pods were discovered in the as-synthesized ZnO whiskers. The whiskers grow along the [0 0 0 1] direction. The as-synthesized ZnO whiskers show UV (similar to401 nm), blue (similar to443 nm) and blue-green (similar to484 nm) emission bands when they were excited by a Xe lamp. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.