This paper examines the use of TiO2 nanotubes (HNTs) as supports for V2O5 based catalysts in the total oxidation of chlorobenzene. The effect of the addition of SO42- onto the support is also discussed. Vanadium was introduced either by direct incorporation of V during the elaboration of the nanotubes (in situ elaboration), or by the impregnation of V on the surface of the supports (ex situ elaboration). The obtained catalysts have been characterized by means of ICP-AES, N-2 adsorption-desorption at 77K, XRD, DRIFTS, XPS, H-2-TPR and NH3-TPD. We demonstrated that sulfating step highly improves the catalytic performances of V-HNTs catalysts. This is due to an increased global acidity and a higher reactivity of redox sites thanks to the electronic interaction between sulfated titania and VOx species. Moreover, it seems that the 'in situ' or 'ex situ' elaboration route of sulfated V-catalysts influences the environment of vanadium species. In particular, the 'in situ' route leads to a more efficient catalyst. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.