Sm2Zr2O7 nanocrystallines were synthesized via hydrothermal method using polyethyleneglycol (PEG), cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SOBS) as surfactants, respectively. The effects of surfactants on the structural evolution and the crystal growth of Sm2Zr2O7 were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimeter (TG/DSC). Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), separately. The as-prepared products have a spherical morphology, and the average particle sizes are in the range of 4-9 nm. The structure transition from fluorite to pyrochlore structure occurred at 1300 degrees C with PEG and SDBS, which can be restrained by adding CTAB. The activation energy of crystal growth is significantly dependent on the surfactants, which is in the order of SDBS>PEG>CTAB. Moreover, the effects of surfactant on the sintering-resistance property of the products are also discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.