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Nanometer-sized particles (1–100 nm ) are of considerable interest for a wide variety of applications, ranging from electronics via ceramics to catalysts, due to their unique or improved properties that are primarily determined by size, composition and structure. In this study, we report a simple, rapid and generalizable aerosol decomposition (spray pyrolysis) process for the continuous synthesis of nanoparticles with adjustable sizes, narrow size distribution, high crystallinity and good stoichiometry. The production of spherical-shaped porous particles with nanoscale ordering porosity and the zinc oxide quantum dots in silica nanoparticles matrix by means of a spray drying method using a colloidal mixture as the precursor and by the combined sol–gel and spray drying method were also reported.