ZnO is widely used in many important areas, such as solar cells, piezoelectric transducers, light emitting diodes, gas sensors, and catalysts. This study is focused on equiaxed ZnO nanoparticle synthesis from aqueous solutions. The shape, size, and phase of the synthesized ZnO particles are investigated by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. A synthesis mechanism is proposed. ZnO particle size effect on light absorption is evaluated by UV vis spectrophotometry. The study offers a simple, better-defined, and more versatile approach for synthesis of equiaxed ZnO nanoparticles. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.