In the present work we report the design and synthesis of CdSe/TiO2 nanotube arrays (NTAs) and their implementation as a photoanode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) application. CdSe nanoparticles with well dispersion were decorated on the inner and outer surfaces of 2.5 mu m-long TiO2 nanotubes via electrodeposition. These CdSe/TiO2 NTAs exhibit a significant photocurrent responds under visible light illumination (lambda >= 420 nm). The results presented in this study display a promising method that the photoelectrochemical performance could be improved via composition, size and crystalline control of CdSe/TiO2 NTAs. And the tubular morphology is also able to facilitate charge transport in nanostructure-based PEC cells. This research demonstrates a new approach, which have great potential applications in fabricating novel heterostructure-photoelectrochemical devices. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.