Hierarchical TiO2 microcrystals were synthesized through a facile solvothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurements were used to characterize the structure of the as-prepared samples. The results indicated that the synthesized hierarchical titania (TiO2) microspheres were composed of numerous anatase phase TiO2 particles. The as-prepared samples were chemically modified with stearic acid to improve their dispersion in oil. Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) were carried out to evaluate the characteristics of the modified TiO2 microcrystals. The tribological properties of the modified TiO2 microcrystals as additives of liquid paraffin were studied by a four-ball tester, and the results showed that they could significantly improve anti-wear performance, friction-reduction property and load-carrying capacity of liquid paraffin. These advantages make the modified TiO2 microcrystals promising for green lubricating oil additives. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.