Abstract Hexagonal monodisperse NdPO 4 nanorods with 300–500 nm in length and 30–50 nm in width were prepared through a facile citric acid-assisted hydrothermal reaction. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra and photoluminescence spectra at room temperature. The addition of citric acid did not influence the phase of samples and the luminescence of Nd 3+ ions but promoted the 1D growth of NdPO 4 crystals and increased the steric hindrance, leading to the forming of monodisperse nanorods.