Silver (Ag) nanoparticles were successfully assembled in self-organized TiO2 nanotubes by the polyol process. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used for the characterization of surface morphology, phase composition, microstructure, and valent state of the Ag-TiO2 catalysts. It was found that these catalysts showed improved dispersion and increased catalytically active sites. The electrocatalytic properties of Ag-TiO2 catalysts for ethanol oxidation were investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The results showed that the Ag doped anatase TiO2 composites exhibited excellent catalytic activity in electrocatalytic ethanol oxidation in alkaline media. Hence, the composites look promising in direct ethanol fuel cell applications. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.