LiV3O8 nanowires have been successfully synthesized by a simple polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) assisted sol gel method. The structure and morphology of LiV3O8 nanowires are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. An aqueous rechargeable lithium battery with LiV3O8 nanowires anode, LiMn2O4 cathode, and saturated LiNO3 electrolyte is fabricated. The battery delivers 103.9 mAh.g(-1) in the first cycle and remains at 86.5 mAh.g(-1) after 100 cycles at a current density of 150 mA g(-1). Liv(3)O(8) nanowires show excellent electrochemical stability as anode materials for aqueous rechargeable lithium batteries. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.