Five kinds of large-scale CdxZn1-xS whiskers (CWs) (10-300 mum in width and 2 mum in length) are successfully synthesized based on vapor reaction of (Cd + Zn) (g) and H2S (g) and their PL spectra appear broad emission peaks that shift to short wavelength with increasing Zn2+ in the ternary compound CdxZn1-xS. The growth of the CWs is controlled by self-catalyzed vapor-liquid-solid and synthesis of CWs may open up a new possibility for the development of ideal materials for short wavelength laser diode applications. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.