Ag@AgBr core-shell nanowires have been synthesized in large quantities via a redox reaction between Ag nanowires and FeBr3 in solution at room temperature. The effect of the molar ratio of Fe:Ag on the formation and optical absorption of the Ag@AgBr core-shell nanowires was systematically studied. The results showed that Ag nanowires were converted into Ag@AgBr core-shell nanowires and finally into AgBr nanorods with the increase of the molar ratio of Fe:Ag. At the same time, the optical absorption of Ag nanowires decreased gradually and disappeared finally. In addition, the growth mechanism of the Ag@AgBr core-shell nanowires was also discussed in detail. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.