Aerosol pyrolysis was utilized to synthesize spherical submicron Bi-Mo-V-O powders over a wide range of reactor temperatures (500-1000 degrees C) and elemental compositions. Evaporative loss of Mo from particles was significant at temperatures of 800 degrees C or higher; however, this could be compensated by adjustment of the solution composition. The crystalline phase content for powders produced at 800 degrees C over a wide range of compositions was largely consistent with previously reported binary oxide and ternary solid solution phases. Powder colors ranged from bright yellow to reddish or greenish yellow, and were characterized by the Munsell color parameters. Particle morphology ranged from spherical to faceted and partially hollow particles, and could be largely explained by proximity to the composition-dependent solidus or liquidus temperature. Particle morphology and phase content can also be influenced by the addition of ethanol to the precursor solution. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.