CdMoO 4 nano-octahedra were grown in situ at room temperature by reverse-microemulsion. Energy evolution from this growth process was monitored using microcalorimetry. The microcalorimetric heat flow (MCHF) curve showed a characteristic endothermic peak for the initial reaction, and double discontinuous exothermic peaks for the subsequent crystal growth. Combined with complementary characterization techniques, the evolution of morphology and size of the CdMoO 4 nano-octahedra were correlated with the MCHF peaks. Calculations based on the microcalorimetric results at 298.15 K provided rate constants of 7.56×10 -5 s -1 for the reaction and nucleation process and 1.59×10 -4 s -1 for the crystallization process. Over the past decade, attention has focused on the preparation of nanomaterials with controlled sizes and morphologies [1-3], which are important in determining the properties of the materials. Unfortunately, real time growth mechanisms for this controlled synthesis remain unclear. Consequently, clarification of the aggregation pathways and thermodynamics of in situ growth of nanoparticles is critical. Several methods have been used to explore the aggregation pathways during crystal growth, such as classical crystallization kinetic theory [4], in situ electron microscopy [5][6][7], scanning tunneling microscopy [8,9], in situ ellipsometry [10], in situ synchrotron X-ray absorption [11], and quartz crystal microbalance in combination with in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy [12]. However, these methods cannot be used to evaluate instantaneous information from the non-equilibrium growth of nanomaterials. Moreover, they are expensive, carried out under harsh conditions, lack universality, and do not provide information on energetics. Thus, alternative methods are required to determine the energy evolution during synthesis of nanomaterials. This information could be used to effectively control the *Corresponding author (email: huangzyhappy@163.com) size distribution, structure and growth directions of nanoparticles.Calorimetry is an effective method to measure the changes in heat associated with crystal growth [13,14]. The major advantage of this method is that the system will not be disturbed during measurements. Additionally, continuous and accurate recordings can be provided on energy evolution in the system. In situ microcalorimetry has been used to systematically study the thermochemical and thermokinetic properties of the synthesis process and crystal growth of rare-earth complexes [15][16][17]. This method has also been applied to the zeolite and silica system, and used to delineate the relationship between thermodynamic factors and changes in the solution chemistry and interface properties [18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. The formation mechanism of MCM-41 mesoporous silica was also investigated using microcalorimetry [25]. In addition, microcalorimetry has been used to determine standard molar enthalpies [26] and the surface and interface enthalpies [27]. It is therefore reasonable to apply calorime...