Ring-like nanosheets standing on spindle-like rods: unusual ZnO superstructures synthesized from a flakelike precursor Zn5(OH)(sub 8)Cl2[.]H2O

Unusual ZnO superstructures with ring-like nanosheets standing the backbone of spindles were synthesized from Zn5(OH)(sub 8)Cl2[.]H2O nanosheets by a mild solution route. The fast supersaturation for the formation of the ZnO phase can be achieved by using the precursor, which already has rich hydroxyl groups.