Ag/AgVO3 nanorods have been obtained for the first time by one step hydrothermal method with the contribution of pyridine. The prepared sample was systematically characterized. Their photocatalytic properties were investigated by degrading acid orange II (AO-II) under visible light. Compared with pure AgVO3, Ag/AgVO3 nanorods showed much higher photocatalytic activity and stability. The enhanced photocatalytic activity was attributed to Ag nanoparticles (NPs) with a strong surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Further studies indicate that the photogenerated holes (h(+)) and superoxide radical anions (O-center dot(2)-) were major active species. Ag/AgVO3 nanorods has a huge potential application in wastewater treatment. (C) 2017 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.