Zn-doped SnO(2) nanorods have been prepared by a simple hydrothermal method on a large scale. The as-prepared samples were characterized by x-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption spectra and photoluminescence spectra. Studies found that the products are needle-like single-crystalline nanorods grown along the [[Formula: see text]] orientation. The photocatalytic properties of the synthesized Zn-doped SnO(2) were investigated by decomposing acid fuchsine, showing much higher photocatalytic activity than pure SnO(2) nanorods and bulk SnO(2) powders. An enhanced gas sensing ability toward methanal, ethanol and acetone gases is also achieved in high sensitivity and fast response. The origins of the enhanced performances are discussed.