Here, we examine the structural, vibrational, optical, and morphological properties of ZnO particles synthesized by the hydrothermal method, incorporating cadmium at different concentrations through the molar ratio R m = Cd +2 /Zn +2 and a thermal treatment at 500°C. The X-ray diffraction results demonstrated the high crystallinity of the ZnO compound with a wurtzite-type hexagonal structure. The Raman scattering spectra demonstrated that the ZnO vibrational modes occur in the region between 200 and 1300 cm -1 , which is associated with different vibrational configurations characteristic of the ZnO molecule: E 2 (Low), E 2 (M), A 1 (TO) E 1 (TO), 2B 1 (High), E 2 (High), and TA + LO. The modes that were most affected by the incorporation of Cd 2+ were those assigned to 2E 2 (Low), E 2 (M), and 2B 1 (High), and this effect was associated with a greater displacement of Zn 2+ ions. The optical study showed a reduction in the band gap and a decrease in the crystalline quality due to the substitution of Cd 2+ in the ZnO lattice. Cadmium incorporation affected the morphology of the ZnO:Cd particles, changing the lengths and diameters of the ZnO rods; when the Cd concentration was increased, the ZnO rods shortened, forming coin-type hexagonal structures.R. E. Riman-contributing editor Manuscript No. 35528.