Highly crystalline, near monodisperse TiO2 nanoparticles, nanorods and their metal-ion-doped (Sn4+, Fe3+, Co2+, and Ni2+, etc.) derivatives have been prepared by well-controlled solvothermal reactions. Through adjusting the reaction parameters, such as reaction temperature, duration, and concentration of the reactants, the size, shape, and dispersibility of the products can be controlled. A possible reaction mechanism can be proposed based on experimental evidence.