This paper describes a simple method of synthesizing silver nanorods using the polyol process, where propylene glycol serves both as a reducing agent and as a solvent in the presence of a capping reagent such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The diameter and length of silver nanorods could be controlled by changing the AgNO3/PVP ratio. The end-to-end assembly of the silver nanorods was found. The silver Danorods were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and absorption spectroscopy. The catalytic activity of a glassy carbon electrode with Ag nanorods exhibits extraordinary electrocatalytic activities towards the electro-reduction of benzyl chloride. (c) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserverd.