A unique aggregation-based crystal growth phenomenon of PbTiO3 nanodots on Si (1 0 0) substrate was observed. Compared to conventional nucleation and diffusion mechanism, a process of aggregation, self-assembly and coarsen process was found to facilitate the growth of PbTiO3 (PT) nanocrystals on Si (1 0 0) substrates. In addition, intermediates, which were constructed by self-assembly of Pb-Ti oxide nanocrystals, were observed during the crystal growth process on Si (1 0 0) substrates. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.