ZnxCd1-xS whiskers in silica matrix with novel rib-like structure have been synthesized in high yield by a solid-vapor decomposition route. The whiskers are composed of ZnxCd1-xS rod-arrays grown closely parallel to each other with uniform diameter and length. The photoluminescence spectrum of the whiskers revealed a strong blue light emission peak at 469 nm and a weak one at 533 nm, suggesting their potential applications in short wavelength optoelectronic nanodevices. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.