Titania oxide nanotubes were successfully grown from a clean titanium plate via the direct anodic oxidation method. The as-prepared nanotubes were amorphous and were crystallized at 300 degrees C, which was identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. Their microstructures and morphologies were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The photoelectrochemical properties of the annealed nanotubes thin films coupled with 304 stainless steel (304 SS) were studied on IM6e instrument. A significant photoelectrochemical response effect was observed. The open-circuit potential of the titania nanotubes films coupled with 304 SS shifts negatively in the presence of simulated solar light (from a metal halogen lamp) and the polarization curves reveal that titania nanotube thin films have photocathodic protection properties of 304 SS. (c) 2006 The Electrochemical Society.