Microstructures of Nd-2(CO3)(3)center dot 8H(2)O with various morphological structures and sizes were successfully synthesized using the microemulsion-assisted solvothermal method. The obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis (DSC-TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and electron diffraction (ED). The results showed that pyramid-like and spherical Nd-2(CO3)(3)center dot 8H(2)O microstructures were synthesized depending on the reaction time and reaction temperature. Moreover, the reaction time and temperature also played important roles in controlling the morphologies and sizes of the resulting Nd-2(CO3)(3)center dot 8H(2)O microstructures. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.