Large-scale, high-purity and uniform BiVO(4) nanoribbons have been synthesized by a facile hydrothermal route without surfactants. The as-prepared BiVO(4) nanoribbons were up to hundreds of micrometers in length, 60-80 nm in width, 15-20 nm in thickness, and grew along the [0 1 0] direction. The photoresponse property of BiVO(4) nanoribbons was measured under different wavelengths. Their photoswitch behavior was also demonstrated. Furthermore, the nanoribbons showed superior photocatalytic activities in the degradation of eosin Y under visible light irradiation. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.