AlVO4 is a relatively new sensor material derived from V2O5/Al2O3 mixtures to selectively detect NO and NO2 gases. Previous studies carried out in order to determine its structural, absorptive and sensory properties indicate that the AlVO4 is not the only single phase. This work deals with the synthesis of the compound by the ceramic and the nitrate decomposition methods, and by the sol gel route. The Rietveld refinement of the compound was carried out in order to determine its crystal structure. Single phase of AlVO4 was successfully obtained via the nitrate decomposition and the sol gel methods. Thereafter, films prepared by the sol gel route were deposited on alumina and Si/SiO2/Pt substrates and characterized by SEM and X-ray diffraction. The electric characterization of the AlVO4 on alumina substrate film is also presented. (C) 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers.