Single-crystal cadmium vanadate (CdV2O6) nanowire arrays with the average diameter of 100 nm and length of up to 20 mum were fabricated by a hydrothermal process at 140 degreesC for 12 h. Electrochemical test shows that these nanowire arrays deliver a relatively large discharge capacity of 90 mA h g(-1) vs Li metal at 0.1 mA cm(-2) (voltage window of 3.2-2.0 V) compared with that of bulk CdV2O6. The obtained sample might find possible application as an electrode material in lithium ion batteries.