V2O5 nanotube arrays in porous anodic alumina ( PAA ) template were obtained from V2 O5sols prepared by melt quenching method.X-ray powder diffraction and selected area electron diffraction investigations demonstrate that V2 O5 nanotubes are orthorhombic.Results by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results show that V2 O5 nanotubes with a uniform diameter form highly ordered arrays.The diameter and length of the nanotubes depend on the pore diameter and the thickness of the PAA template used.It is proved that the sol-gel template process is a cost-saving, simple and readily-controlled method to prepare metal oxides nanomaterials .Owing to the quantum size effect, the optical absorption edge of V2 O5 nanotubes in PAAexhibits a significant blue shift with respect to that of bulk V2 O5 .