In this study, we report the growth of ZnO nanowire on quartz glass substrates with Au-catalyst assistance by electric current heating of ZnO ceramic bar. The effect of substrate temperature on the properties of ZnO nanostructures has been investigated systematically. Structural analysis indicates that the grown ZnO crystals belong to hexagonal phase with preferential growth along (002) orientation. Scanning electron microscopic studies reveal the aligned ZnO nanowires were grown at 800 degrees C. The typical length and diameter of nanowires are in the uniform ranges of 4-20 mu m and 20-100 nm, respectively, showing their high aspect ratio of about 1000. We have made an attempt to discuss about the change in ZnO nanostructures with different substrate temperatures and the possible mechanism for the growth of nanowires. Optical reflectance studies show the infrared reflectivity was controlled through the substrate temperature. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.