The distinct properties of II-VI nanostructures have opened new opportunities for the applications of II-VI semiconductor materials in electronics and optoelectronics. Herein, we present a comprehensive review on the recent advances in the synthesis, properties and optoelectronic applications of one-dimensional II-VI nanostructures. In particular, the approaches to manipulate the electronic, optoelectronic, and transport properties of II-VI nanostructures by controlled doping and the latest progresses in fabricating high-performance II-VI nanoelectronic and nano-optoelectronic devices are discussed. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.