Uniform beta-AgvO(3) monocrystalline nanobelts with length up to 100 mu m are synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method using AgNO3 and NH4VO3 as precursors. The as-obtained beta-AgVO3 nanobelts exhibit relatively high photochemical stability under UV irradiation in the alcoholic solution. In addition, these beta-AgVO3 nanobelts have been successfully transformed into one-dimensional ordered assemblies consisting of plate-like primary Ag nanocrystals. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.