CuO-deposited TiO2 rod composites were prepared through a microwave-assisted green method for high efficiency hydrogen evolution. The porous CuO/TiO2 rods with crystallinity and high specific surface (249.1 m(2)/g) area were obtained as-synthesized without calcination. Hydrogen yields were proved to be significantly improved with appropriate amount of CuO deposited onto TiO2 rods. The improved photocatalytic performance was attributed to the synergistic effects of high surface area, specific energy band structure, and enhanced light harvesting at the interface of CuO and porous TiO2 rods. Copyright (C) 2015, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.