We report a novel method for preparing uniform and aligned ZnO nanowire arrays embedded in anodic alumina membranes (AAM) by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). An integrated process combining the preparation of nanometer-sized ZnO particles and the formation of nanosized ZnO arrays by EPD within AAM was reported for the first time. The deposited nanowire arrays were characterized in terms of X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, and photospectrometer. As compared with other methods for the preparation of nanowire arrays, the proposed method is simple, materials general, and efficient. (C) 2002 The Electrochemical Society.