One-dimensional (1D) rod-like structure of znic oxide constructed by nanoparticles was synthesized by the thermal treatment of zinc oxalate sub-micron rods, which were obtained via alcohol thermal process. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and photoluminescence (PL) spectrum. SEM and TEM show that the morphology of zinc oxalate dihydrate precursor is rod-like, about 400 nm in average diameter and 3 mu m in average length. The zinc oxide obtained by annealing zinc oxalate exhibits 1D rod-like structure constructed by ZnO nanoparticles in original direction of the precursor. The room-temperature photoluminescence spectrum of as-prepared ZnO shows UV emission around 398 nm and a diverse visible emission peaks indicating that there are deep level defects in ZnO nanoparticles. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.