We report the ultra-rapid synthesis of Nb oxide nano/micron sized rods using a flame method; the single-step process is achieved in less than a few minutes. The synthesis is performed using 1-mm diameter Nb probes (metal source) inserted in the oxygen-rich part of an counter-flow methane/acetylene oxy-flame. The niobium oxide structures can grow nearly instantaneously in a white layer of material surrounding the surface of the Nb probe. The Nb oxide layer is composed of individual and coalesced micro/nanorods that are rapidly formed on the surface of the Nb wire. The grown crystals forming the metal oxide layer grow through a basal growth mechanism due to the constant flow of oxygen and oxygen radicals from the flame onto the surface of the niobium probe. The morphology of the grown Nb oxide structures strongly depends on the flame position (temperature and chemical species). X-Ray Diffraction analysis reveals that the micro/nanorods forming the layer are composed of monoclinic alpha-Nb2O5. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.