ZnO nanowires (-60%) and nanobelts (-40%) have been fabricated on a large scale via a low temperature one-pot hydrothermal technique. Na2CO3 was introduced not only as alkaline source but also as a controllable reagent for the crystal growth of ZnO. The comparison experiment results indicate that the adding amount of Na2CO3 greatly affect the length/diameter aspect ratios of 1D ZnO nanocrystals. In addition, the introduction of surfactant SDSN was indispensable in controlling the growth of belt-like ZnO. Room temperature photoluminescence spectrum showed a weak UV band emission at 379 nm and a strong broad yellow emission around 564 nm. A possible mechanism on the formation of the ZnO nanowires was proposed. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.