Anatase TiO2 nanowires with a diameter of 5-10 nm and length of 500nmto 2 mu m have been successfully synthesized by modifying TiO2 nanoparticles (P25) using the microwave heating method. The microwave power, reaction pressure, and reaction time for the synthesis of TiO2 nanowires were 500 W, 0.5-3.0MPa (corresponding to a temperature range of 175-260), and 40-70 min, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and the BET techniques were used to investigate the phase structures, morphologies, and specific surface areas of the TiO2 nanowires. The effects of reaction time, pressure, and different post-treatment processes on the microstructures of TiO2 nanowires were discussed. It has been shown that the microwave heating method is efficient in transforming TiO2 nanoparticles to anatase TiO2 nanowires. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.