Pure K0.5Na0.5NbO3 powders were prepared at low temperatures by an efficient method using Na2CO3, K2CO3 and Nb2O5 as raw materials and urea as fuel. The phase evolution of the powders was investigated by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and thermo gravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimeter (TG-DSC). The phase composition and morphology of the powders were characterized by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The results reveal that single-phase K0.5Na0.5NbO3 powder can be obtained at 550 degrees C by the method. The as-prepared powder is stoichimetric, fine and well-developed. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.