ZnO crystals with various morphologies were successfully prepared on borosilicate glass substrate in mild solution. Water and 50 vol% ethylene glycol aqueous solution were used as reaction solvents to investigate the crystal growth behavior. The effects of solvents and reaction time on the properties of crystals were investigated by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and photocatalytic characterization. The results indicated that the addition of ethylene glycol led to uniform crystal growth; however, the ZnO crystals synthesized in water possessed more excellent photoluminescence and photocatalytic activities. About 4.25%, 6.38% and 29.78% of 1 ppm NOx gas could be continuously removed under irradiation of light wavelength > 510, > 410 and > 290 nm, respectively. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.