A unique solution-phase route was devised to synthesize crystal Ag nanowires with high aspect-ratio (8-10 nm in diameter and length up to 10 mu m) by the reduction of AgNO3 with Vitamin C in SDS/ethanol solution. The resultant nanoproducts were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron diffraction (ED). A soft template mechanism was put forward to interpret the formation of metal Ag nanowires. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.