In this study, a novel continuous process for preparing beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-Ca-3(PO4)(2), beta-TCP) nanoparticles was developed with low-price calcium hydroxide and phosphoric acid as the reactants. A micro-orifice dispersion microreactor was designed to realize the fast microreaction process. The relation of the synthesis reaction and microdispersion was investigated. The side reaction was eliminated with the fast and uniform mixing process. Highly pure beta-TCP nanoparticles were finely prepared. The experimental results showed that the beta-TCP nanoparticle crystal shape and size as well as the Ca/P molar ratio could be well controlled using the microdispersion process. The size of beta-TCP nanoparticles ranged from 80 to 120 nm. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.