The nanosilica particles were synthesized by thermal decomposition of the pine cones and pine needles at 600-700 degrees C for 3. The effect of acid (sulfuric acid) or base (sodium hydroxide) treatment on phase purification and morphology of the product was also investigated. The as-prepared nanoparticles were characterized by TGA, XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM and EDX analysis. Result show that after calcination temperature of 600 degrees C for 3 h, the organic molecules (lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, etc.) of pine needles was removed. Furthermore, by acid treatment of the pine needles, the amount of impurities was significantly reduced. The silica nanoparticles (average diameter of 37 nm) with sulfuric acid treatment were obtained and calcination temperature of 600 degrees C for 3 h. (C) 2015 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.