Tellurium dioxide (TeO2) nanoparticles were synthesized directly by evaporation of tellurium (Te) granules in an atmospheric microwave-plasma torch-flame with possibility for a direct continuous preparation and mass production of TeO2 nanoparticles. The mean size of the synthesized TeO2 particles was 108.2 nm observed from the TEM image and was 112.0 nm estimated by the Williamson-Hall plot using XRD data. The surface area and pore distribution properties of the particles were also analyzed by making use of a nitrogen adsorption apparatus. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.