Zincblende structure cuprous bromide (gamma-CuBr) nanocrystals were synthesized via a green hydrothermal method, which was based on the reactions of CuSO4 center dot 5H(2)O, KBr and D-glucose in distilled water in an autoclave at 100 degrees C for 12-24 h. The structure, composition and optical properties of the resultant products were characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis absorption and room temperature photoluminescence (RTPL) spectra. A possible reduction-precipitation mechanism was also proposed for the formation of CuBr in the present system. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.