TiO2 nanopowder was synthesized by a homogeneous precipitation process, with industrial titani-ferous solution and urea as primary materials. The effects of different surfactants on the surface tension of the titani-ferous solution was investigated. The influence of surfactant amount on the particle size and morphology was also examined. The results show that the surfactants have their optimum additive amount, with which the nano-scale particles with smaller size and better shape can be prepared. Moreover, it is indicated that the combined use of various surfactants is more effective for the preparation of nano-scale TiO2 particles, compared to the use of sole one surfactant. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.