Uniform α-Fe2O3 nanotubes fabricated for adsorption and photocatalytic oxidation of naphthalene

► Uniform α-Fe2O3 nanotubes with small aspect ratio were hydrothermally fabricated. ► Photocatalytic oxidation of naphthalene over the α-Fe2O3 nanotubes could be realized. ► The naphthalene could be finally mineralized into carbon dioxide and water.