The Ag and CdS nanoparticles co-sensitization of TiO2 nanotubes (CdS-Ag/TiO2 NTs) were prepared by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SIIAR) technique. The phase composition, morphology and optical property were characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-vis diffusion reflection spectroscopy (DRS). The co-modification of Ag and CdS nanoparticles expanded the photoresponse range of TiO2 NTs from ultraviolet region to 668.7 nm, and the CdS-Ag/TiO2 NTs prepared by SILAR deposition of 5 cycles exhibited higher visible photocurrent and stability against photocorrosion. The detailed electrons transfer mechanism of CdS-Ag/TiO2 NTs was proposed, and photocatalytic activity toward degradation of methyl orange (MO) under visible-light irradiation was also investigated. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.