Silver vanadate (Ag4V2O7) nanowires are synthesized through a simple and facile cation exchange method, and the silver vanadate/silver (Ag/Ag0.68V2O5) nanowires are obtained through calcination of Ag4V2O7 nanowires at 250-500 degrees C. By varying the reaction time, the progression of the cation exchange process is captured, and tunable morphologies, crystal structures and chemical components (Ag, V, Na and O) of the samples are achieved and analyzed using scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. Also, as an electrode of lithium-ion battery, the Ag/Ag0.68V2O5 nanowires exhibit specific discharge capacities of 179.5 mAh g(-1) in the first cycle and 152.6 mAh g(-1) at the 150th cycle at a current density of 30 mA g(-1). Good lithium-ion storage performance of the electrode mainly due its nanowire structure directly grown on titanium foil and good electron transportation caused by the high conductivity of the silver nanoparticles in the nanowires.