Mixed phase (rutile/anatase)TiO2 nanorods have been synthesized using an anionic surfactant template. Nanorod synthesis has been achieved using mild reaction conditions and without using any rod-shaped template. The shape and crystallinity of the TiO2 nanomaterials can be modulated by careful control of the surfactant concentration. The novelty of the present work is that the anatase/rutile mixed phase nanorods were formed without using the well-known layer by layer assembly method or the hydrothermal method. These mixed phase TiO2 nanorods are highly luminescent, can be easily sensitized by fluorescent dyes, show significant dye adsorption ability and function as efficient photocatalysts. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.