ZnO ribbon and comb structures have been synthesized in high yield from the mixture of ZnO powder and single-walled carbon nanotubes. The influence of the fabrication temperature and the substrate on the morphology and yield of the obtained products was investigated. It was found that the substrate used significantly affected the yield and morphology of the obtained nanostructures. The structure of the deposited materials was investigated by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction and photoluminescence. The ribbon/comb structures exhibit strong UV photoluminescence and weak green emission indicating excellent crystal quality. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.