A series of H3PW12O40-doped carbon nitride nanotubes (H3PW12O40/C3N4 NTs) are prepared using one-step hydrothermal treatment, with g-C3N4 and H3PW12O40 as precursors. The morphology, porosity, phase, chemical structure, and optical and electronic properties of H3PW12O40/C3N4 NTs are characterized. Subsequently, the photocatalytic activity of H3PW12O40/C3N4 NTs is evaluated through the degradation of representative aqueous persistent organic pollutants methyl orange and diethyl phthalate under visible-light (lambda > 420 nm) irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of H3PW12O40/C3N4 NTs is significantly enhanced compared with g-C3N4 as a result of its unique tubular nanostructure, enhanced quantum efficiency, and high light utilization efficiency. Finally, the reusability of H3PW12O40/C3N4 NTs is evaluated under four consecutive photocatalytic runs. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.