Hexagonal phase aluminum nitride (AIN) nanorods have been prepared via a chemical reaction from Al, I-2, and NaN3 in an autoclave at 200 degrees C. Electron microscopy investigations show that the nanorods have diameters ranging from 50 to 100nm and lengths up to several micrometers. Thermal gravimetric analysis reveals that the sample has good thermal stability below 600 degrees C, and room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) of the sample shows a strong emission peak centered at 397 nm.