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In this work, the TiO 2 nanorod arrays (TNAs), TNAs/Cu 2 O-10CYC, and TNAs/Cu 2 O-30CYC composites photo-catalysts for solar water splitting anode was successfully prepared via cyclic impregnation growth method. The structure, surface morphology and element chemical states have been investigated and discussed in detail. The UV–vis and PL results confirm that interaction has been formed between TNAs and Cu 2 O in the composite photo-catalysts and the TNAs/Cu 2 O composites exhibit broad spectrum absorption. Three factors affecting on the enhancement of solar light hydrogen production efficiency, e.g. enhanced UV-light absorption in solar spectrum, massive charge carrier generation and improved surface-interface reaction due to the absorbing visible light by the narrow band gap Cu 2 O and the injecting electrons into TiO 2 conduction band, are proposed based on the experimental results. The TNAs/Cu 2 O-10CYC composite samples exhibit highest enhanced photocatalytic activities in the hydrogen production, which H 2 evolution efficiency is about 4-fold higher than that of pure TNAs. It indicates that the efficient photo generated electron-hole transformation and separation in TNAs/Cu 2 O-10CYC composite sample leads to the improvement of photocatalytic performance. The present study provides a new light to prepare TNAs/Cu 2 O of novel configuration with promising potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]