Via catalyst-assisted pyrolysis, Si3N4 and SiC nanowires were produced on the cell walls of polymer-derived ceramic foams. The pyrolysis atmosphere and temperature were the main parameters affecting their development: silicon nitride single-crystal nanowires formed under nitrogen, while silicon carbide ones were produced under argon, and their amount increased with the increasing pyrolysis temperature. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis showed that the presence of the nanowires afforded high specific surface area (SSA) values to the macroporous ceramic foams, ranging from 10 to 110 m(2)/g. Co-containing samples developed higher SSA values, especially after pyrolysis at 1400 degrees C in N-2, than samples containing Fe as a catalyst. The differences were explained in terms of morphology (diameter and assemblage), which depended on the processing conditions and the catalyst type (Co or Fe).