The synthesis and characterization of Zn0.85Cd0.15O/ZnO multiple quantum wells (MQWs) by remote-plasma-enhanced metalorganic chemical vapor deposition are reported. The X-ray diffraction satellite pattern is consistent with the existence of the periodicity of the MQWs. The quantum energy levels were investigated by observing the blue-shift of steady-state photoluminescence (PL) peak at low temperature. PL lifetime in MQWs measured by the time-resolved PL decreases from 70 to 54 ps with decreasing Zn0.85Cd0.15O well width, indicating the enhancement of the exciton recombination in the well layer. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.