One-dimensional SnO2/V2O5 core-shell nanowires were synthesized by a combination of hydrothermal and wet chemical routes at room temperature. The photocatalytic behavior of the SnO2/V2O5 nanowires for the photodegradation of toluidine blue "O" dye (TBO) under UV exposure was examined. SnO2/V2O5 showed better photocatalytic activity than V-2 O-5 nanowires and bulk. The significant enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of the core-shell SnO2/V2O5 nanowires was attributed mainly to its large specific surface area and efficient charge separation at the SnO2/V2O5 photocatalyst interface. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.