Surface structure of NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) was modified by advanced oxidation processes (AOP) in an. ultraviolet (UV)/H2O2 photocatalytic system, and then systematically characterized with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It is found that the AOP in UV/H2O2 photocatalytic system leads to formation of titanium oxides film on NiTi substrate. Depth profiles of 0, Ni and Ti show such a film possesses a graded interface structure to NiTi substrate and there is no intermediate Ni-rich layer like that produced in conventional high temperature oxidation. Except TiO2 phase, some titanium suboxides (TiO, Ti,03) may also exist in the titanium oxides film. Oxygen mainly presents in metal oxides and some chemisorbed water and OH- are found in titanium oxides film. Ni nearly reaches zero on the upper surface and relatively depleted in the whole titanium oxides film. The work indicates the AOP in UV/H2O2 photocatalytic system is a promising way to favor the widespread application of biomedical NiTi SMA by improving its biocompatibility. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.