A modified microwave-assisted polyol method was applied to prepare nanoparticulate ceramic powders of different oxides, i.e. Gd2O3, AlO(OH) (boehmite) and TiO2. Due to the good dielectric properties of the utilised solvents, such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol and 1,4 butanediol, a significant decrease in reaction time was achieved under microwave heating. In the case of AlO(OH)and Gd2O3, <5 nm primary particle size were obtained. Boehmite was found to be intercalated with the solvent. The general applicability of the process is shown and the advantages in terms of properties and processibility are described. The powders thus prepared were investigated using X-ray diffractometry, electron microscopy and physisorption. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.