A method to synthesize TiO2 nanotubes via anodization on a porous polymer material, namely a polyethersulfone membrane, is reported. The TiO2 nanotubes can be easily designed by sputtering a titanium film on top of the membrane, followed by anodization of titanium to TiO2 nanotubes. Subsequent crystallization to photocatalytically active anatase nanoneedle and nanotubular structures is performed under mild conditions at temperatures below 120 degrees C, thus enabling the use of a polymer substrate. The hybrid system is mechanically stable and flexible at all stages of the assembling process. Because of the enhanced surface area and light-harvesting capability of the anatase nanoneedle and nanotubular structures on the membrane a high photocatalytic activity is achieved. This method will reasonably expand the application of TiO2 nanotubes for different substrates and open up new catalytic setups and novel products. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.