CaV(6)O(16)(.)3H(2)O nanoribbons have been prepared by the hydrothermal method in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SIDS) at 160 degreesC for 10h. X-ray diffraction pattern indicates that the sample is monoclinic phase of CaV6O16-3H(2)O with the lattice contents a = 12.18 Angstrom, b = 3.598 Angstrom, c = 18.39 Angstrom, beta = 118.03degrees. Field emission scanning electron microscopy shows that the nanoribbons have widths in the range of 150-500 nm, thicknesses of 30-60 nm and lengths of similar to500 mm X-ray photoelectron spectrum measurements further confirm the formation of the CaV(6)O(16)(.)3H(2)O phase. The formation of CaV6O16-3H(2)O nanoribbons is a self-assembling process, in which surfactant SDS plays the role of soft template. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.