A novel multi-functional yolk-shell SiO2@TiO2/CDs(y-STCs) nanocomposite with interesting structure of SiO2 cores, porous TiO2 shell, and cavities was synthesized by using a simple method. The experimental results indicate that the yolk-shell structure and modification of carbon dots (CDs) play important roles in the enhancement of SERS signals and photocatalytic performance. The y-STCs nanocomposite used as the SERS substrate showed excellent efficiency and reproducibility for the detection of rhodamine 6G (R6G). The detection limit of R6G was shown to be as low as 6 x 10(-8) M. Furthermore, the fabricated y-STCs nanocomposite utilized as the photocatalytst for the degradation of dinitraphenols (DNP) can greatly shorten reaction time to 120 min compared with previous studies, and the DNP degradation rate could reach 96% under simulated sunlight irradiation. The y-STCs nanospheres also possessed excellent cycle stability for the photocatalytic degradation of DNP. Thus, the bi-functional y-STCs nanocomposite may have potential applications in the detection and photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants.