Synthesis and photocatalytic property of N-doped TiO2 nanorods and nanotubes with high nitrogen content

► The N-doped TiO2 nanorods were synthesized by a solvothermal process. ► N-doped TiO2 nanotubes were fabricated by hydrothermally treating the nanorods in NaOH solution. ► The nitrogen content of the N-doped TiO2 nanorods and nanotubes were reached to 36.9 at.% and 25.7 at.%. ► N-doping narrowed the band gaps of the nanorods and nanotubes and introduced indirect band gap to them. ► The nanotubes showed large specific surface area and great degradation efficiency to methyl orange.