Dispersive nanoparticles and whiskers have been extensively studied owing to their unique properties and potential applications. Solution-based synthesis methods

especially hydrothermal routes

are widely employed to produce nanomaterials because of their relative simplicity and low energy consumption. Herein the recent progress of hydrothermal technologies in the synthesis of dispersive nanoparticles are introduced firstly

including supercritical hydrothermal route

continuous hydrothermal route and hydrothermal modification route. The mechanisms for controlling the nanoparticle size and dispersion are discussed. Then two novel approaches to the hydrothermal fabrication of whiskers are introduced

including hydrothermal recrystallization method and ion induction-structural reforming method

the mechanism for the oriented growth of the whiskers is also discussed.