Metal-ions doped TiO2 (M-TiO2) were synthesized using a hydrothermal method with a post-annealing process, including individual Ag+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Ce3+, Fe3+ and Zr4+ ions. Physical properties of the synthesized M-TiO2 were characterized including XRD pattern, BET surface area, diffuse reflectance spectra and visible-light photoactivity tests. Total photocatalytic performances of M-TiO2 were evaluated by degrading rhodamine b under whole solar-light irradiation with manganese-ions doped TiO2 (Mn-TiO2) showing the highest degradation efficiency. Compared to crystalline structure and visible-light photoactivity, BET surface area of M-TiO2 particles exhibits the most significant impacts, showing a positive correlation with the total photocatalytic performance of M-TiO2. Total photocatalytic efficiencies of Mn-TiO2 were further optimized through synthesis with 3% of Mn doping concentration, 180 degrees C of hydrothermal treatment and 450 degrees C of post-annealing temperature. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.