By varying the substrate temperature in the range of 800-1000 degrees C, the conditions for the synthesis of AlN nanowires were optimized. Al powders were heated under flowing ammonia gas. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Based on the absence of tip particles, the growth mechanism of AlN nanowires was considered to follow a vapor-solid process. The overall intensity of the PL spectra was increased by increasing the synthesis temperature, whereas their shapes were changed by varying the synthesis temperature. The associated emission mechanisms are discussed. (C) 2009 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.