Al 2 O 3 /ZrO 2 one-dimensional nanocomposite structures were synthesised by chemical vapour deposition using Al 2 O 3 nanowires and a ZrCl 4 powder source at a temperature of 800 °C and a pressure of 130 Pa. The samples were characterised using X-ray diffraction, the scanning electron microscopy, the transmission electron microscopy, and N 2 adsorption-desorption. The results revealed that Al 2 O 3 /ZrO 2 composite nanowires coated with surface-embedded ZrO 2 nanocrystals were formed and that the ZrO 2 macroporous and mesoporous structures changed as the ZrO 2 deposition time increased. The pore structure and surface area were also elucidated from the N 2 adsorption-desorption measurements.