A method and apparatus for producing nanometer-sized particles, the method including the steps of forming of mixture by mixing a first precursor reactant, a second precursor reactant, a surface-stabilizing surfactant, and a high boiling point liquid to form a mixture, forming a mist of droplets of the mixture, heating the droplets to cause a reaction between species of the first and second precursor reactants within the heated droplets, and collecting the nanometer-sized products.