Large-scale synthesis of ternaryZnxCd1−xS zigzag nanowires was achieved in a one-step metal–organic chemical vapour deposition(MOCVD) process with co-fed single precursors of ZnS and CdS. Their morphologies, structuresand optical properties were characterized and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy,high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, x-ray spectroscopy, and photoluminescence. TheZnxCd1−xS zigzag nanowires are single crystalline, with axis [001], by changing the growth directionfrom to . Regarding the formation of zigzag nanowires, we suggest that the shear strainand slight fluctuation of the reaction conditions may be the major factors thatmake the nanowires change growth direction. In addition, because of the lowertemperature and versatility, this new fabrication method might present a new and facileway to form other ternary nanomaterials. Furthermore, the green emission ofthe nanowires may have potential applications in electronic/optical nanodevices.