ZnS:Cu2+ nanorods were synthesized through a solution phase thermal decomposition molecule precursor route. The absorption spectra showed a minor red shift with increasing Cu doping concentration. Photoluminescence showed red shift and the intensity of defect luminescence emission would be enhanced as the concentration of Cu ions (0.2-0.4%) increased. The optical properties of the products can be controlled easily by changing Cu doping concentration. This synthetic strategy might exploit a favourable route to synthesize metal-doped semiconductor nanostructures, which are potentially important for optoelectonic nanodevices. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.