Sodium chloride induced formation of square-shaped cadmium molybdate nanoplates

Square-shaped CdMoO4 nanoplates with an average size of ~4 μm and thickness of ~200 nm have been successfully synthesized via a NaCl-assisted hydrothermal method 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 formation process of CdMoO4 nanoplates is related to NaCl, which provides a favorable chemical environment for the growth of nanoplates.