The preparation of a nano-sized LaFeO3 powder by a soft-chemistry method using starch as complexing agent is described herein. Phase evolution and development of the specific surface area during the decomposition process of (LaFe)-gels were monitored up to 1000 degrees C. A phase-pure nano-sized LaFeO3 powder with high specific surface area of 25.7 m(2)/g and a crystallite size of 37 nm was obtained after calcining at 570 degrees C. TEM investigations reveal a porous powder with particles in the range of 20 to 60 nm. Calcinations to 1000 degrees C result in crystallite sizes up to 166 nm. The dilatometric measurements of the sintering behaviour show that the beginning of shrinkage of pellets from the nano-sized powder is downshifted by more than 300 degrees C compared to the coarse-grained mixed-oxide powder. The orthorhombic reversible arrow rhombohedral phase transition was observed at 980 degrees C in DTA measurements for the coarse-grained ceramic bodies. The enthalpy change (Delta H) during the phase transition and the thermal expansion coefficient (alpha(dil)) for the ceramics were determined as 410 J/mol and 11.8.10(-6) K-1, respectively. Whereas the enthalpy changes during the phase transition of the nano-sized LaFeO3 powders are <= 200 J/mol. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.