We have demonstrated a simple and convenient chemical solution deposition method without employing catalysts, surfactants or carrier gases to synthesize sodium vanadate (beta-Na0(.33)V(2)O(5)) nanowires (NWs) supported on conducting substrates. Both high resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies indicate the single-crystalline properties of such NWs. The morphologies of the beta-Na0.33V2O5 NWs can be controlled by varying the growth temperature and duration. Moreover, the beta-Na0.33V2O5 NWs show promising field emission (FE) performance with a high current density (54 mA cm(-2)), low turn-on field voltage (0.60 V mu m(-1)) and a high degree of emission stability. These results suggest that beta-Na0.33V2O5 NWs can serve as a candidate material for future electronic and FE devices. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier B.V.