Co:ZnS/Co:ZnO core-shell nanostructure, which consists of single-crystalline Co:ZnS core and polycrystalline Co:ZnO shell, has been synthesized via thermal decomposition of Zn0.97Co0.03S(en)(0) (5) precursor. The Co:ZnS/Co:ZnO core-shell nanostructure integrates outstanding visible photoluminescence and room-temperature ferromagnetism into one nanomaterial. Compared to Co:ZnS nanorods, the photoluminescence and ferromagnetism of the Co:ZnS/Co:ZnO core-shell nanostructures are significantly improved due to the introduction of large amount of interfacial defects by forming Co:ZnO shell. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.