The solvothermal synthesis of multiwalled TiO2 nanotubes (MWTNTs) with the reaction of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and sodium hydroxide aqueous solution at moderate temperature is presented. The kinetic and isotherm studies were investigated for Orange II removal mechanism. MWTNTs were prepared in length 70�200 nm, average diameter 4�10 nm, and inter-shell spacing 0.78 nm. Different characterizations were performed to confirm anatase and mesoporous structure of MWTNTs. An improvement in properties as compared to commercial TiO2 was observed; specific surface area 244.81 m2/g and band gap 3.0 eV. An excellent photocatalytic activity for Orange II removal was exhibited using synthesized MWTNTs. © 2018 Taylor & Francis.