Nd2Sn2O7 (neodymium stannate) nanostructures were successfully produced through an improved Pechini process. For the first time, several organic acids as stabilization agent and capping agent, different pH control agents and propane-1,2-diol as esterification agent have been applied to produce Nd2Sn2O7 nanostructures. In this investigation, tin (IV) chloride and neodymium nitrate were chosen as tin and neodymium sources. The neodymium stannate nanostructures were analyzed by PL, TEM, FESEM, FTIR, XRD, UV-vis and EDX. Based on the morphological investigation, it was found that the size and shape of the neodymium stannate depended on the type of pH control agent and organic acid. Additionally, the photocatalytic activity of as-produced neodymium stannate has been studied by degradation of methyl orange dye as water contaminant. (C) 2016 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.