Square-shaped CdMoO 4 nanoplates with an average size of ~4μm and thickness of ~200nm 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 CdMoO 4 nanoplates is related to NaCl, which provides a favorable chemical environment for the growth of nanoplates.