Silver molybdate nanowires were synthesized in large scale using tungstosilicic acid as a soft template in a mild way. Ag/AgCl nanoparticles were then successfully synthesized by the ion-exchange reaction between hydrochloric acid and the as-prepared silver molybdate and reducing some Ag+ ions in the surface region of AgCl nanowires to Ag nanoparticles via the light-induced chemical reduction was described. Ag nanoparticles in Ag/AgCl composites show strong absorption in the visible region because of its plasmon resonance. The composite has the ability to decompose organic pollutants absolutely and presents efficient and stable photocatalytic ability in visible light region. It can be expected to be used in the fields of decomposition of hazardous organic contaminants in wastewater. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.