An ultrasound mediated simple emulsion process has been demonstrated for the synthesis of zinc ferrite nanocrystals using the precursors of zinc and iron acetates and rapeseed oil. Following this technique avoids many of the outstanding problems that normally exist in conventional emulsion synthesis. Due to the simplicity of this process, it could also become a valuable starting point for the generation of other mixed and complex ferrites. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier B.V.