In this paper, green emitting Mn-doped Zn2SiO4 rodlike nanoparticles were synthesized by a hydrothermal method using ZnCl2 and Na2SiO3 at 280 degreesC. The effects of treatment temperature and time on the crystallite structure, size and morphology were investigated. The Zn2SiO4:Mn rodlike nanoparticles with a diameter of 20-30 nm and a mean length of 300 nm were prepared by using the co-doped Ce ions. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence spectroscopy. This procedure provides an easy way for the synthesis of well-crystallized Zn2SiO4:Mn with uniform morphology at low temperature. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.