We present, for the first time, the solution-phase method to controllably prepare SbVO4 nanoparticles having the sizes of 3-5 nm from SbCl3 and NH4VO3 in EtOH-H2O. Several crucial growth parameters, including reaction temperature, initial mole ratio, and solution acidity, were investigated carefully. SbVO4 nanoparticles could be readily prepared in the initial 1:1 mole ratio of SbCl3 to NH4VO3 above 120 degrees C. In particular, the unexpected Sb1.92V0.08O3.67 and Sb2O3 were prepared selectively under highly basic conditions in the SbCl3-to-NaOH mole ratios of 1:6 and 1:14, respectively, in the constant SbCl3-to-NH4VO3 mole ratio (1:1). (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.