Vertically aligned CdTe nanotube arrays with visible-light-driven photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) activity were grown on ITO substrate via a simple ZnO nanorod-templating method. The high crystallinity, strong absorption of visible-light, and vertical arrays architecture were found to be beneficial for the photoelectrodegradation of Acid Blue 80. Together with the detailed microstructure and photoelectric response over visible light, a photoelectrocatalysis mechanism based on the energy diagram was proposed for the CdTe nanotube arrays. Further enhancement in the PEC property can be expected when the configuration was optimized, such as sample size, nanotube length and coupling with other metal/semiconductor on ITO. This study provides a good strategy for the design of visible light-responsive photocatalysts that can be recycled and possess high efficiency, extremely low mass and high chemical stability together. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.