Low temperature synthesis of Zn2GeO4 nanorods and their photoluminescence

► Zn2GeO4 nanorods were prepared by a simple refluxing method at low temperature without any surfactants. ► The morphologies and crystal structures of Zn2GeO4 growth were studied from beginning to the end (0 min to 3 h). ► The photoluminescence of Zn2GeO4 synthesized by different methods was studied.