Nanoporous titanium oxides are synthesized using a galvanostatic-tensiostatic method in electrolytes based on ethylene glycol solvent with water and ammonium fluoride additions. The porosity of the oxides is estimated by re-anodization in a suitable non-dissolving electrolyte, their optical properties are assessed using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Modification of the titanium oxides via electrodeposition of molybdenum oxide in potentiodynamic conditions results in the formation of a non-stoichiometric oxide containing mainly Mo(V), substantial amounts of Mo(VI) and lesser quantities of Mo(IV). The conduction mechanism in such oxides was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Diffuse reflectance measurements indicate a greatly improved absorption of visible light in comparison with nanoporous TiO2 which points to prospective photocatalytic abilities of the modified oxides. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.