Abstract: Nanorods of lead chromate and barium chromate were synthesized by using artificial active membrane of celloidin as template and the cooperating effect of artificial active membrane with ethylenediamine. The results indicated that the diameter of lead chromate nanorods is between 28～55 nm and the largest ratio of length to diameter is 25, the nanorod exhibited a monoclinic single crystal structure. The diameter of barium chromate nanorods is between 24～38 nm and the largest ratio of length to diameter is 28. The rod had an orthorhombic single crystal structure. The products have optical properties which are different from those of bulk materials: the IR absorption peaks have slightly blue-shift, the fluorescent emission peaks have 9 nm and 15 nm blue-shift respectively compared to those of the bulk materials, and the UV-Vis spectra showed that the obvious absorption peaks respectively blue-shifted 30 nm and 35 nm compared to bulk that of materials as a result of quantum size effect. The synthesis mechanism of the products was discussed primarily.