The umbrella-like ZnO nanostructures have been prepared by the morphological tailoring in the aqueous solution at 95 degrees C in the addition of heterogeneous seeds such as MnO2 and US nanoparticles. The morphology and structure of as-synthesized umbrellalike ZnO nanostructures have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The heterogeneous seeds play the critical role for the formation of umbrella-like ZnO nanostructures. Furthermore, the formation mechanism of the umbrella-like nanostructures has been phenomenally presented. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.