One-dimensional AlN microrods have been grown on sapphire substrate by oxide-assisted vapor utilizing chemical vapor deposition method via vapor-solid mechanism. The structure and morphology of as-grown samples were analyzed by HRXRD, Raman, FT-IR, SEM and TEM. AlN microrods possess single crystalline hexagonal structure with average diameter ~0.7µm and length ~5µm. Chemical compositions have been estimated from EDX analysis. X-ray photoelectron peaks of Al, N, O and C were observed on the surface of AlN microstructures. Photoluminescence spectrum reveals broad ultraviolet, blue emission bands corresponding to deep-level defects. From the optical absorption spectrum direct bandgap was found to be 5.66eV.