The electrodeposition of Bi2Se3 nanowires on an anodic aluminum oxide template was investigated by cyclic voltammetry in a tartaric acid aqueous solution. The electrochemical behavior of the Bi2Se3 nanowires in the electrolytic solution was also investigated using cyclic voltammetry, and the under-potential deposition mechanism of the Bi2Se3 nanowires was determined. According to the cyclic voltammetric curves, -0.20 V vs. SCE (saturated calomel electrode) was chosen as the deposition potential of the Bi2Se3 nanowires. The ratio of Bi to Se is nearly 2:3, verified by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and with the addition of surfactant. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, selected-area electron diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy indicate that annealing can improve the crystallinity and chemical composition of Bi2Se3 nanowires. Surfactant can also improve the surface morphology and composition of the Bi2Se3 nanowires. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.