TiO2 photocatalysts doped with Be2+ were prepared by impregnation and coprecipitation method. The samples were characterized by XRD, XPS and IR. Their activities were evaluated by photocatalytic hydrogen production. It is found that Be2+ can enter into the interstitial site of TiO2 lattice, and the photocatalytic activities depend on doping method. When the doping ions were in the shallow surface, the doping was beneficial; while in the deep bulk, the doping was detrimental. On the optimum conditions, the photocatalytic activity of the doped TiO2 increased by 75% compared to pure TiO2. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.