Nanostructure Sn4+-doped TiO2 based mono and double layer thin films, contain 50% solid ratio of TiO2 in coating have been prepared on glass surfaces by spin-coating technique. Their photocatalytic performances were tested for degradation of Malachite Green dye in solution under UV and vis irradiation. Sn4+-doped nano-TiO2 particle a doping ratio of about 5[Sn4+/Ti(OBun)4; mol/mol%] has been synthesized by hydrotermal process at 225 degrees C. The structure, surface and optical properties of the thin films and/or the particles have been investigated by XRD, BET and UV/vis/NIR techniques. The results showed that the double layer coated glass surfaces have a very high photocatalytic performance than the other one under UV and vis lights. The results also proved that the hydrothermally synthesized nano-TiO2 particles are fully anatase crystalline form and are easily dispersed in water. The results also reveal that the coated surfaces have hydrophilic property. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.