Shape-controlled synthesis of zinc phosphate nanostructures by an aqueous solution route at room temperature

alpha-Zn-3(PO4)(2)center dot 4H(2)O nanosheets, nanoplates and microspheres constructed by nanosheets have been successfully synthesized by an aqueous solution method at room temperature without using any surfactants or templates. X-ray diffraction pattern, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy were used to characterize the samples. The shape evolution of alpha-Zn-3(PO4)(2)center dot 4H(2)O is related to the pH value in the reaction system. This simple method might be useful for the synthesis of nanostructures of other phosphates. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.