A variety of novel La-2(CO3)(3) nanostructures, such as nanowires, nanobelts and ramiform superstructures, have been synthesized in the Triton X-100/cyclohexane/water reverse micelles system. These nanostructures could be obtained at pH 2-5 and the length of nanowires was seen to increase with increase in aging time. Nanobelts or flakelike La-2(CO3)(3) nanowire bundles formed at low aging temperature; however, ramiform superstructures could be obtained Lit high temperature. The growth mechanism combined with the Ostwald ripening process and oriented attachment process was proposed to the La-2(CO3)(3) nanostructures. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.