A novel CdS/ZnSe/TiO2 nanotube array (NTA) photoelectrode was prepared by deposition of ZnSe nanoparticles (NPs) using pulse electrodeposition technique onto a TiO2 NTA. By successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR), CdS quantum dots (QDs) deposit onto a ZnSe/TiO2 NTA photoelectrode. The as-prepared CdS/ZnSe/TiO2 NTA photoelectrode performance is significantly improved, which not only greatly extends spatial separation of charges, but also enhance the utilization efficiency of visiblelight. This system exhibits excellent charges transport property. The maximum photocurrent density of an 8.25 mA cm(-2) was observed in the CdS/ZnSe/TiO2 NTA photoelectrode, which is 37.5, 15.86 and 1.56 times higher than bare TiO2 NTA, ZnSe/TiO2 NTA, and CdS/TiO(2)NTA photoelectrodes, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of CdS/ZnSe/TiO2 NTA is tested by the degradation of methyl orange (MO) in distilled water under solar light irradiation of 100 mW/cm(2). Within about 120 min of irradiation, 90.05% MO are removed. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.